Friends

by Marcia M

Copyright © 2003

marciamk936@hotmail.com

Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I only own one character (Evie), the others are owned by their respective creators. BTVS series scripts were used in this document and they belong to the series writers and whoever else owns them, but not me. Thanks to Joan the English Chick for the transcriptions. I make no money from this, believe me.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse http://mysticmuse.net
Just ask.
Feedback: Yes, please.
Spoilers: Season 6.
Author's Note: This picks up at the end of Tabula Rasa. Added a new character into the scenario, moved some things around. This is my first attempt at fan fiction, I tried to weave it around the series, so bear with me. If it's received Ok, I may try again. There are some crossovers. The ending is cheesy and a little too neat, so you are forewarned.
Pairing: Willow/Tara

Tears began to flow from Tara's eyes as she took her few belongings and climbed in the cab, headed back to the dorms. She didn't really want to leave, but knew she couldn't stay with Willow constantly using magic to "fix" everything. She hated seeing the hurt look on Dawn's face as she had left, the young girl had not even given her a hug, had simply run back into the house.

She climbed out of the cab and headed towards her dorm, the tears flowing steadily now, making it difficult to see where she was headed. She bumped into a bench and lost her balance, almost toppling her belongings. She sat her things down and dropped onto the bench, burying her face in her hands as she began to sob.

"Tara?" a voice questioned through her anguish.

Tara looked up at the young woman who spoke her name. She looked familiar, but Tara simply couldn't think right now and couldn't place her name. The girl spoke again.

"That is your name right – Tara? We have Art Appreciation class together? I'm Evie. Are you OK?" Evie placed her hand over one of Tara's trying to keep the girls attention.

"Um, y-yes, I'm fine. J-just h-heading up to my room." Tara replied, standing to gather her things.

"Would you like some help? Looks like you have your hands full." Evie offered.

"Oh, I th-think I can make it."

"Don't be silly I insist." Evie gave a small smile and took one of the boxes, motioning for Tara to lead the way.

Tara wondered if it was wise to trust a practical stranger to come up to her room, but she simply didn't have the energy to protest. Besides they did have class together, she remembered seeing the girl now that she had mentioned it.

Evie was worried about the woman next to her, she looked devastated. Whenever she had seen her before, she always seemed a little shy but usually quite happy, especially whenever she was with the redhead – Willow, she thought that was her name. She was pretty certain they were a couple and wondered now if something were wrong between them, seeing as Tara was moving back into the dorms. Now really wasn't the time for probing so she let them walk in silence until they reached Tara's room.

Tara opened her door and set her box down. She turned as Evie followed her in and took the second box from her and put it next to the first. "Th-Thank you." Tara said, trying to smile but not really succeeding. She let her hair fall forwards to cover her face as the tears began to well again.

"Are you all right by yourself?" Evie asked, wanting to help but not really sure how.

"Y-yes, I'll be fine. Thank you again." Tara looked up.

"Ok, but here's my number, if you need to talk, or just need some company, give me a call, alright?" Evie said as she scribbled her number on a piece of paper and handed it to Tara.

"Ok. Thank you." Tara said as she put the paper in her pocket, not really intending on using it.

Evie was reluctant to go but nevertheless turned and said "I'll see you in class. Good night."

"Good night." Tara replied as she closed the door behind Evie. She turned to her bed and lay down as she wept softly, thinking of Willow until she had cried herself to sleep.

Evie stood in the hallway, hearing Tara crying on the other side, she nearly went back in, but knew that wasn't a good idea since they really barely knew each other. She sighed as she turned to leave. She walked down the hallway and headed out, determined she would get to know Tara better, see if she could help the girl.

Tara woke the next morning, and instinctively reached out, only to find she was alone in bed. As the previous days events came back to her the only reason she didn't cry was because she had no more tears. Was she really doing the right thing? She should go back to Willow, see if they could work through this together? She could help Willow, teach her… Tara stopped, she'd been trying that and it wasn't working. She couldn't help Willow, Willow had to help herself and she couldn't be there. Tara sighed as she decided to go shower and head to class, thinking it best to stay busy.

She finished getting ready, grabbed her books and headed to class. She was walking towards class, lost in thought when she heard her name.

"Tara" Evie said for the third time as she came up to the taller girl.

"Oh, hey Evie." Tara felt her face flush as she remembered last night and let her hair fall forward to cover her cheeks to hide her embarrassment.

"Hey" Evie said as she touched Tara on the arm so the other girl would look at her "how are you?"

"I'm f-fine. I'm really s-sorry, about last night. I was h-having a rough evening."

"I sort of figured as much." Trying to lighten the mood, Evie asked mock-seriously "Did you eat at the caf? I usually don't but decided to eat there last night and I was practically in tears myself." Evie winked and smiled, trying to put Tara at ease. Tara returned the smile with a small one of her own. She felt herself relax a little as they continued to walk to class.

"That can sometimes can lead to bouts of tears, but I find if you stick to the basics and not try to go exotic, it isn't too bad" Tara continued the silly conversation, avoiding the real reason behind her tears.

Evie nodded "Ahh, a caf connoisseur. I will definitely keep that in mind but think for a while I'll stick to PB&J."

Tara actually giggled as they walked in and took their seats in class. After it was over, they walked out together and Evie once again started the conversation "You know, for art appreciation, I was just sort of hoping I could say 'Yes, I appreciate it' and you know, get an A."

"Well…" whatever Tara was going to say was lost as she stopped and looked ahead. Evie followed her gaze and saw the redhead up ahead of them, though she was sure Willow hadn't seen them yet.

Evie touched Tara's arm to get her attention "Would you like to go this way?" She used her hand on Tara's arm to turn her and guide her down the opposite direction.

Willow looked up and saw Tara walking down the hallway; another girls hand on her arm. Willow fought the urge to chase after them, to talk to Tara, tell her she could do better, but instead just watched until they disappeared out of site.

After they had gone outside, Evie asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Tara smiled "N-no. It's too fresh and I r-really don't know you that well, I don't want to burden you with my issues."

"Ok, I won't push, but how about this. Meet me for lunch and we'll talk, get to know one another" Evie said.

Tara hesitated, she could use a friend now but she didn't want to give Evie the wrong impression "Evie, I, well you know Willow and I, we were… are… were…"

"I know you two were a couple or are a couple, I won't try to guess which since you seem unsure about it yourself. I've seen you together. But I'm offering friendship, someone to talk to – Ok?"

Tara smiled, relieved to have gotten her point across – Ok, so she didn't really but Evie seemed to understand. "O-ok. I have a break at one, h-how about you?"

"One works for me, I'll see then." Evie waved and headed off to her next class.

Tara turned and headed in the opposite direction to her next class. It would be nice to have a non-Scooby friend right now, someone she could talk to that wasn't one of Willow's best friends. She loved Buffy and Xander but was afraid they would blame her for the breakup with Willow. She hoped she could make them understand. She especially wanted to talk to Dawn, the young girl had seemed so hurt when Tara left. She would call her later and set up a movie and milkshake fun day with the girl, if she'd let her.

Tara met Evie for lunch outside the cafeteria. "Why don't you grab something and I'll find us a seat outside, it's a nice day" Evie said.

"Aren't you going to get something?" Tara inquired.

"Oh no, told you, I'm sticking with PB&J for now. I'll be over there." Evie pointed to a large tree.

"Ok, I'll just be a minute." Tara went in and grabbed a sandwich, some carrot and celery sticks and a bottle of water. She saw Evie sitting under the tree and smiled, heading over to sit next to her.

"Looks like a healthy lunch, you picked out there" Evie observed.

Tara shrugged "I guess, what about you, what do you have?"

"Well, I don't want to give you food envy but I have peanut butter and jelly, pretzels and pink lemonade. I was going for the whole 'p' alliteration theme for my lunch today" Evie grinned.

Tara giggled "I never really thought about having a theme for lunch – especially a 'p' theme."

"Eww! I didn't think of it like that. Definitely will have to pick a new letter tomorrow – actually in honor of my new friend, I'll choose the letter t. Let's see, turkey sandwich, tangerine tea and, hmmm, tapioca? No, I don't like tapioca, but it did have a nice ring don't you think?"

"You don't really pick your lunch based on alliteration every day, do you?" Tara giggled.

"Alas, no. I'm not that creative. Today was just pure luck. If I'd had regular lemonade, this whole conversation would never have happened. I'd just be sitting here, all nervous and shy."

Tara raised an eyebrow, Evie didn't seem the shy type "Y-you, sh-shy? I don't think so."

"Oh yes, I'm quite shy." Just then a Frisbee landed at their feet, Evie picked it up and looked to see where it came from. "Hey Evie, over here!" a male student yelled, waving his hands.

Evie stood, "Hey Matt! Here you go!" She tossed the object back to him and sat back down. "Where was I? Oh yes, I remember. I'm very shy, Ok that may not have looked like it but, I was just like you. I used to use that move, hide behind my hair, blushing all the time." She saw Tara let her hair fall forward and reached out a hand to lift her chin and continued "Then, I cut my hair and couldn't hide anymore" she mock shuddered " – let me tell you, very scary. I like to get to know people but I'm only comfortable with the one to one thing. If I meet a group of people, I get overwhelmed and clam up, fade in with the backdrop." At Tara's smile Evie continued "You don't believe me do you?"

Tara shook her head "Not really, but that's Ok. I like you, shy or not."

Evie smiled and they continued chatting while they finished their lunch.

Tara was excited that Dawn had agreed to go with her for a day of fun. She really wanted to talk to her. She had been going over the conversation in her head all morning. They were sitting outside a small café as Tara tried to ease her thoughts into the conversation.

"Good god, that's a lot of shake" Tara starts. Dawn just nods so Tara continues, "I mean, I know, part of our big movie and milkshake fun day, but… good god, that's a lot of shake."

Dawn laughs, "Helps to wash down the Raisinettes."

"Promise me that you will eat something green tonight. Leafy green, not gummi green?" They both laugh as Dawn continues drinking her large chocolate shake.

Ok, so that really hadn't ended up where I wanted it, Tara thought. She tried again "The movie was fun."

"Yeah, it was ironic when all those cute inner-city kids taught their coach a valuable lesson" Dawn quipped, wondering what Tara really had on her mind. It didn't take long to find out.

"You know that I will always be there for you, right?" Tara began. She watched as Dawn stopped smiling and just looked at her. "There, there was actually more of a lead-in when I practiced that at home.

"I know" Dawn replied.

"It's just… I wanted you to know that… my moving out had nothing to do with you, and I, I will never stop loving you."

"I know" Dawn replied and she really did but she only paused a second before asking "Do you think you'll ever get back together?"

"I wish I knew" Tara replied

"But you still love her" Dawn observed, not really asking.

"Very much. I just… sometimes… other things get in the way" Tara wondered how much she should be explaining to the young girl.

"I know." Dawn continued nervously, she wanted Tara to know "Uh, she's been doing a lot better lately, though. Uh, she's been really good about… being careful…a-about stuff."

"Well, good. Great, that's… that's great" Tara replied, hoping it were true, but it was still too soon to tell.

Buffy and Xander weren't sure if Willow really had everything under control. It was great that she turned Amy back into her old self but using magic just to do a little research? Was it really a good idea? They were beginning to see more and more why Tara left her – as Anya had so bluntly pointed out to Willow.

Willow left, deciding she better check on Amy. "Amy?" she calls as she enters the Summers' house.

"Oh god, you're back" Amy hurries over, not liking being stuck in side all day "I thought you said you wouldn't be gone that long."

"I wasn't. I mean, I thought I was…" Willow's response was cut off by Amy.

"Let's go somewhere" the former rat interjected.

"Don't you wanna go see your dad?" Willow inquired.

"No. Can't. Not yet. Too many questions." Amy was still twitchy and still had some lingering rat type movements.

Willow nods in understanding "About where you were."

"No, about how I got there." She remembers turning herself into a rat, her mother had been a very powerful witch. Once she was gone, Amy started teaching herself. "I wish there was a way that I could make him forget about the last three years."

Remembering the Tabula Rasa spell, Willow perked up "Oh, well hey, I can help you with that. Only, you might wanna sew your name into your clothes first or something." As she set her bag down, she thought back to when they had lost their memory and she and Tara were still drawn to each other. Then Tara had realized Willow did the spell, after she had promised no more magic. Amy's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"No… I just don't wanna deal with him right now. I think I would be" what was the word "bored." He never understood about the magic.

"Well" Willow said, not really sure how to respond.

"Come on, let's get outta here" Amy persuaded.

"Oh, well, what do you wanna do?" Willow asked a little hesitantly.

"I don't know. Something fun. Anything… not involving a big wheel." As Willow smiles, Amy is pretty sure she is persuading her, one thing would be sure to get her "Or… maybe… you'd rather sit home all night, alone, like in high school."

"No!" Willow stands up. Thinking about Tara and the blonde leaving class together "No, you know what? I can have fun. Heck, I, I deserve some fun."

"Yeah, you do" Amy knows she has her hooked now.

Willow continues, convincing herself as well as Amy "I can party! Not like I owe anyone anything. I am totally free." She nods, deciding "So, let's make with the fun."

Dawn and Tara headed back towards the Summers house. Tara didn't intend on staying, didn't really want to go in at all, but she couldn't just leave Dawn alone, she wanted to make sure someone was home. At least, that's what she told herself as they walked in the door.

"Hello! We're home!" Dawn calls to the empty house.

"Looks like no one's here" Tara replies.

"Well, I'm sure they'll be back soon. Um, I know Willow and Buffy were meeting up with Xander to do some research" she didn't want Tara to think that Willow was out doing magic. She takes Tara's arm and pulls her into the living room.

"Well then I, I should really get back" Tara says.

"Or, you can stay and wait for them" Dawn suggests and sits on the couch. "Then you can get a chance to catch up with… everyone."

"Yeah, I-I don't think that's such a great idea" Tara replies, knowing what Dawn is up to but still, leaving the girl alone…

"Okay. Your call" Dawn says as she picks up the remote "I have TV to keep me company until they get back." She starts channel-surfing.

Tara grimaces. She really shouldn't leave the girl alone…

Dawn can see she's convincing Tara so she adds "You notice how it's been getting dark so much earlier these days?" Dawn sneaks a look at Tara.

Tara looks nervously at the window. It was getting dark, no one else was home…

Dawn giggled, pretending to watch TV, she points at it and says "Talking cat."

Tara rolls her eyes. Ok, Dawn wins. She sits down next to the youngest Summers and says "Fine. I'll stay, but just until they get back. And only to make sure that you're not alone, this… has nothing to do with… anyone else." Was she convincing Dawn or herself? Tara wondered if she should call Evie, see if the girl could come pick her up since it was getting dark. Since she had no idea when someone would get home, she decided against it.

Dawn is feeling quite proud but still acts nonchalant "Sure. Cool. Up to you."

She snuggles up to Tara and puts her head on Tara's shoulder as they both watch TV. The next morning, they are both still on the couch, cartoons playing on the TV. Tara is sitting up on the couch while Dawn is lying with her head in Tara's lap.

Tara wakes up, startled by a loud noise on the TV. She looks around in surprise and Dawn wakes up.

Dawn yawns "What time is it?"

Tara looks at her watch "Almost seven. God, I just closed my eyes for a minute." This wasn't right. Why was it still so quiet in the house?

Dawn squints at the TV "Hmm. An now there's cartoons." She frowns as she continues "Plus a mother of all night-wedgies."

Tara looks around, concerned "Uh-oh."

Dawn is still a little groggy but a wedgie really isn't something to get upset about. She assures Tara "It's not tragic. I'm sure as soon as I stand up…"

Tara interrupts her "No, Dawn… why didn't anybody wake us up? Where is everyone?" Hoping that Buffy and Willow just didn't want to wake them, Tara and Dawn head upstairs to check Buffy and Willow's bedrooms. Both rooms reveal beds that were not slept in and no signs of either Willow or Buffy.

Dawn is getting a little nervous "Where are they?"

Trying to reassure the young girl while hiding her own fears she says "I'm sure they're fine, Dawnie. I'm sure they just… lost track of time."

Deciding to distract the girl and herself, Tara heads into the kitchen and starts making pancakes. Dawn walks in few minutes later.

"Pancakes?" Tara asks.

"Uh, sure" Dawn pulls a carton of orange juice from the fridge. She is really starting to worry, her thoughts becoming more vivid with each passing minute. "Um, should we call Xander? What if they're all in a ditch somewhere? Ditches are bad. Mom always used to talk about the ditches." She pours a glass of orange juice.

Tara continues mixing the pancake batter and replies "Nobody's in a ditch." I hope, she adds silently to herself before continuing, "We'll call, but… we'll give them some time before we wake them up." She turns back to the stove and asks "Funny shapes, or…?" she stopped in mid sentence as she heard the back door opening. Both she and Dawn turn to see who it is.

Willow enters with another girl, talking animatedly. Tara is flooded with relief at seeing Willow but then wonders who this other girl is – is that jealously she's feeling?

Willow stops and looks at Tara. Then she remembers what she and Amy did all night and her promise to Tara not to use magic. Not knowing what to say she simply says "Hey"

Tara is happy that she is Ok but doesn't want Willow to think she is checking up on her, but she was curious about the girl with her. "Hey. I just… B-Buffy didn't come home last night… either, so…"

Willow interjected "Uh, hey, uh… this is Amy. Amy, Tara, Tara, Amy." She made the introductions.

Amy smiles sensing something more is going on. "How you doin'?"

Maybe Willow has found someone else. "Fine" Tara answers Amy's question but continues "I…. I'd b-better g-get going." Tara turns to go, feeling uncomfortable.

Willow realizes what Tara must think and says to her "Amy! Amy the rat?" realizing what she said she turns to Amy to say "Sorry."

"No, that's fair. I was a rat." Amy replied.

How did Amy get back? Tara wonders confused "When…"

Amy interrupts "Last night. It's nuts, everything's different. I mean… the Bronze, for one thing." she grins at Willow. Maybe Willow wants to impress this girl. Amy's more than happy to help "And Willow! She's a freaking amazing witch now. I couldn't even keep up with her last night.

Tara is upset, so the magic wasn't just about helping Amy.

Willow catches Tara's look and tries to stop Amy "Amy"

Amy continues, thinking Willow is just trying to be modest, oblivious to the tension around her "No, it's true! I mean, I can do some transmography, but she is messing with dimensions and everything, it was awesome. This blowhard dude, first she made his mouth disappear. Thank god. And then…" Amy sees Tara starting to get angry and realizes maybe she wasn't really helping "I'm talking too much. Sorry. It's just been… you know… me and a bag of pellets the last few years, so…"

This wasn't Amy's fault, Willow chose to do magic, but Tara needed to get out of there, now. "No, it's, it's fine. It's just, um, I, I re-really need to go." She starts to leave.

Willow wants to explain, she tries to stop her "Tara, uh, you left some stuff upstairs it's in…"

Tara cuts her off, desperate to get away from her "I'll get them later." She doesn't stop as she hears Willow call her name "Tara!" She barely notices Buffy as she rushes out of the house.

Buffy glances confused at Tara. She still can't believe she had sex with Spike, all night. What the hell was she doing? Dawn's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Buffy! Uh, where were you? Are you okay?" Her sister was obviously in pain.

"I'm fine" Buffy said wishing the bruises weren't a reminder of last night.

"You're not, you're all sore and limpy" Dawn said.

Buffy tried to reassure her "I, I'm not… sore, I just… I had a fight, you know, the all-nighter kind."

"Figured" Dawn said. "I knew that's why you didn't call. So what's the big bad? Uh, should we be worried?"

"No. I mean, I, I think you guys are, are safe." Buffy turned to Willow she was wondering, "Tara was here?"

After their conversation both Buffy and Willow decided to get some rest. Buffy was still lost in thought over her encounter with Spike. Seems the only time she could feel was when she was fighting with him. She sighed as she tried to get some rest.

Tara was mentally kicking herself as she left the Summers house. She really thought Willow was getting better. She should have known it was too soon. As she walked across campus, a familiar voice called her name.

"Tara!" Evie called. She hadn't expected to see Tara this morning. At the distraught look on the girls face, Evie was reminded of the night Tara moved back to the dorms. "Sorry, I was just heading to the lab and saw you walking. I hate to sound like a broken record, but are you ok?"

Tara relaxed a little. Just being around Evie seemed to relax her, which was unusual. She was usually the one that helped everyone feel comfortable, someone people could confide in. "I'm fine" she told her "just a… long night."

Evie smiled "Ok. I won't keep you, I have to get going but I'll see you in class tomorrow."

"Ok, see you later." Tara replied and gave a small smile as the girl walked off.

Tara hung up the phone, Buffy having just told her about the accident and Willow's encounter with Rack and the dark magics. She hoped Dawn was Ok. Willow needed help so bad and Tara wanted to give it to her, but it wasn't her place. She sighed, needing a distraction. She called Evie and asked if she wanted to go see a movie.

Dawn is still pissed at Willow as they begin removing all magical temptations. "Candles?! We can't have candles?" she exclaims.

Buffy tries to keep it light, not make Willow fill worse than she does. "Dawn, it's magic clearance. Everything must go."

"But they're just candles!" Dawn insists. She knows Willow feels bad, well she should. She was irresponsible and had broken her arm.

"Well, yeah, you know, to you and me they're just candles, but to… witches they're… like bongs." Buffy hoped that was a good analogy. She looks to Willow for confirmation. Willow nods so Buffy continues "So, no candles, no charms, no…"

"Bird" Willow interrupts.

"No bird?" Buffy asks, she didn't think birds fit into the category.

Willow clarifies "That peacock on the table. It has two crystals in it." She looks at the side table near Buffy. Buffy picks it up and finds two crystals inside. Willow continued "Tara, she… she left them" Willow wanted Tara back so bad. Tara had been right. She was using the magics too much. She needed help. But now, she was getting better and she would get Tara back, it would just take a little time.

"I'll make sure she gets them" Buffy replied. She hated that her friend was hurting but knew that Tara had done the right thing. The crystals would give Buffy a chance to see Tara, there's something she's been wanting to ask her.

"I'm going to meet Karen for a milkshake" Dawn says, wanting to get out of the house.

"Who?" Buffy asked.

"Karen, from school – I'm sure I've told you about her" Dawn says.

"Oh, okay, but make sure you're back before dark" Buffy says

Dawn heads out the door. 'I can't believe we can't have candles' she thinks to herself as she heads off to meet Karen.

"Woa!" Karen exclaims when she sees Dawns cast "does it hurt?"

"Not so bad, now" Dawn says.

"I've never had a broken bone before."

"No biggie, I'm used to seeing all kinds of…" Dawn stops, realizing she probably shouldn't be telling Karen about the whole vampire, demon, thing. "Hey" she changes the subject "What do you think about Alex"

"Oohh, he's so hot. Are you interested in him?" Karen asks.

"Sort of, but I don't think he knows I exist. I'm so unsure about the whole boyfriend thing. I think my sister is in denial about me even being interested in boys – she hasn't had the best of luck with men. Hey you have an older sister, what's she say"

Karen rolls her eyes "All she ever says is 'No dating until you're seventeen, no kissing until you're twenty' of course she's said that since I was like six, so it's more of a joke now."

"So does she have a boyfriend?" Dawn asked

"No, she likes girls, but I don't think she has a girlfriend right now" realizing what she said Karen asked "Oh, that doesn't bother you does it? I don't really think about it much anymore."

"No, we have a friend staying with us, she's gay – though I'm really pissed at her right now. She had the best girlfriend, who used to live with us, but then she screwed everything up, even breaking my arm in the process" Dawn looked at her arm. "Anyway, enough about them, I heard Eric sort of likes you" Dawn grinned.

"No way! Really?" Karen asked excitedly.

The two young girls continue chatting about boys and drinking their milkshakes until it's time to head home.

Tara and Evie headed towards Tara's dorm to study. After about an hour they heard a knock at the door. "Do you want me to get it?" Evie asked.

"Go ahead, it's probably just the RA" Tara replied

Evie opened the door "Oh – Buffy – Buffy Summers, right?"

Buffy looked at the blonde in front of her, a little surprised. She looked over the girl cautiously. She was actually shorter than Buffy, which was a little unusual, about the same build except she had fuller breasts and hips. She had short blonde hair, that was sticking up a little, as if she had been running her hands through it – or had Tara been, shaking herself mentally she continued her perusal. She had blue eyes, an intense shade that Buffy thought she could get lost in – had she just checked this girl out? Shaking her head for real she said, "Uh, hey, I'm sorry, do I know you?"

"Probably not – but you saved me from a bump in the night once." Evie replied with a blush, feeling like Buffy had just checked her out.

Tara moved from the bed to join the two girls at the door. She motioned for both of them to come back in.

"A bump in the night?" Buffy asked a little confused.

Evie's blush deepened "Yeah, you know all the things that go bump in the night that anywhere else are just noises but here in Sunnydale they're something that nobody talks about."

Tara and Buffy glanced at each other but didn't say anything so Evie continued.

"Anyway I was walking along one night and this guy, well not really a guy but sort of a guy jumps out and tries to grab me. I start trying to fight him off but he's barely slowed by anything I throw at him, I'm barely holding him off and here you come, say something to the guy and tell me to run. I turn around and run, thinking you're going to follow, I get around the corner and realize you aren't. I hear you fighting so I start to head back when, nothing. I hear nothing. Then you come around the corner and walk off like nothing happened. I was going to thank you but I was so stunned I don't think I moved for five minutes. Okay, I'll shut up now" Evie stopped.

Tara and Buffy just glanced at each other, still not saying anything, until Buffy turned to Tara and handed her a small pouch and said, "You left this."

Tara took the pouch and peaked inside, seeing two crystals. "Thanks" she said, knowing she had left them at Willow's.

Evie stood looking at the two of them, feeling like there was definitely something she was missing. She noticed they hadn't commented on her story and figured there was more to it that they didn't want to discuss with her. That was OK, for now. She'd pursue it later. She took the opportunity to look over Buffy. Evie had seen her on campus before but not lately. She'd always admired her confidence, they way she carried herself.

"Anyway," Buffy continued, glancing toward Evie. "Do you think you could stop by work tomorrow, I need to talk to you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry" Evie said. "I have to go anyway, you stay." Evie gathered up her books.

"No that's Ok, I'll get going" Buffy said. "But you'll stop by?" she asked Tara.

"Sure, I'll come by tomorrow after class." Tara replied curious as to why Buffy wanted to talk to her alone. Suddenly she thought of Willow, had she done something – something with magic? Tara was worried and wished Buffy would just stay and talk now. Maybe she was just jumping to conclusions, if it was bad, surely Buffy would stay.

"I'll see you later, Tara. Nice to meet you Buffy, and thank you" Evie said.

"Wait, I'll walk down with you. It's late, you shouldn't be out alone" Buffy said to Evie.

"Oh, it's OK, you don't have too, I'm much more careful now and I'm just going to the lab" though the idea of spending a few minutes with Buffy was appealing to Evie.

"I'd still feel better if you weren't alone" Buffy responded.

Tara interjected "Y-yes, that's a good idea. Evie, let Buffy walk you. It would make me feel better."

Evie blushed but consented "Ok."

Tara smiled as the two girls left her room. She walked back to her bed and sat down, wondering what Buffy needed to talk to her about. She opened up her book and tried to study a little more and not think about it.

Buffy and Evie walked down the hallway and outside and both started to speak at once.

"I know …" Evie began.

"You known…" Buffy started.

"Go ahead" Evie said.

"I was just wondering if you've known Tara long."

"Well, we had several classes together, but we've become good friends over the last few weeks" Evie said.

"Are you two…?" Buffy trailed off.

"Oh, you mean together – no, we're friends."

"I didn't mean to imply that I thought you were, you know…" this conversation was not what Buffy had intended.

"Gay?" Evie asked as she blushed. "I am, but that doesn't mean I don't have friends that are girls – you know?"

"Oh, no, I mean I'm not, I mean I like boys" Buffy stammered.

"I know – I mean I saw you with Riley last year. I didn't ask my question very clearly. What I meant was don't you have boys who are just friends?" Evie asked, though she wondered why Buffy was so defensive.

"Of course" Buffy said, feeling a little silly but regaining her composure "So what were you going to say?"

"Oh, just that I know you and Tara know more about the bumps in the night than you're saying, and that's Ok. But I hope you'll come to trust me enough to tell me eventually."

"It's just" Buffy started, not really knowing what she wanted to tell this girl.

"It's Ok. I'm not going to push." Evie stopped and turned towards Buffy "This is my stop. Thanks again for walking me." She smiled as she opened the door to walk in the building.

"You're welcome. Good night" Buffy said as she turned and headed back across campus, her thoughts alternating between her upcoming conversation with Tara and the new blue-eyed blonde she had just met.

Evie sat in the computer lab, trying to concentrate on her homework but her thoughts kept drifting back to Buffy. Evie looked up as she heard a voice call her name "Hey, Evie?"

"Oh, hey Scott, what's up?" Evie smiled at the familiar face. She'd helped Scott many times while working in the computer lab.

"I'm having a little trouble and was wondering if you could help?" Scott asked, flashing Evie a smile.

Evie smiled back "Sure, let's take a look." She could use the distraction.

Buffy was trying hard on her new job. She still couldn't believe she was invisible and she slept with Spike, again. Every since she had met Evie, she couldn't seem to stop thinking about her. Then, she would go see Spike, bang his brains out. What the hell was wrong with her? She was going to find out.

She handed a bag of food to a customer and said "Double meat is double sweet. Enjoy!"

"Thank you" the customer replied.

Buffy's coworker, Gina gives her a strange look "Just something I'm trying" Buffy defends.

Buffy sees Tara rushing up to the counter "Hey, sorry I'm late."

"Oh, time has no meaning here. Gina, I'm taking a break." Buffy takes her hat off as she joins Tara. Buffy leads them to the employee lounge, which is riddled with motivational posters. She gets a soda and hands it to Tara.

"I have this sudden urge to dedicate my productive cooperation" Tara quips as she looks around the lounge.

"Well, if you close your eyes and repeatedly smash yourself in the head with frozen meat, it'll go away." Buffy tries to lighten the mood "Eventually, I'm hoping." How do I start this conversation? How do I ask Tara why I keep sleeping with Spike? "Thanks for coming by" Buffy begins.

Tara has been thinking about this all day tons of scenarios running through her head. "Is it bad?" she asks.

"I was sort of hoping you could tell me" Buffy said.

"I knew this was gonna happen. What did Willow do now? Did she… she hurt anyone?" Tara asked worriedly.

Buffy realized what Tara thought "Wha… uh, no, no um… Ta-Tara, this isn't about Willow."

Tara felt relief flood through her "I-I thought that's why you didn't want to meet at the house."

"Uh, sorry, it's um… Willow's fine, uh, she, she's been doing really well. You'd be proud of her."

Tara feels bad for thinking this was about Willow "Good, that's… that's good." It really is Tara thinks before continuing, "So, so what do you want to talk about?

Buffy rubs her wrists nervously. "I-it's Spike." At Tara's confused look she said, "He can hurt me." Buffy realizes she keeps rubbing her wrists so she moves her hands under the table. "Without his head exploding" she added in case Tara didn't understand.

Tara was shocked "Oh my god. Hi-his chip stopped working?"

"No, it still works. Just not on me" Buffy explained. "I-I need to know about the spell. The one that… brought me back, I, I'd ask Willow but…"

Realization dawned on Tara "You think it's you."

"I don't know. I feel… different. There are things…" should she tell Tara everything? Tara is waiting for her to continue. Buffy can't tell her, not yet so she simply adds "I-I think… maybe… I came back wrong."

Tara is quick to protest "No. Buffy's that's n-not… no. You didn't."

Buffy's not as sure and she wants proof "Can you check out the spell? Just see if there's something that… Could you just check? Please?"

Tara was getting close to finding out about Buffy's spell and she wanted to talk to the slayer. She picked up a few things from the Magic Box while she was there. As she walks out, she runs into Willow and Xander

Willow seeing Tara, is surprised, but happy "Tara. What are you doing here? I mean… uh, it's okay for you to be here if you have things that ... you have to be here for."

Xander wanted to leave the girls alone so he said "Yeah, I'm gonna go bring Anya up to speed on that monkey situation" he smiled as he passed Tara.

"There's a monkey problem?" Tara inquired, confused.

"Only if you don't stretch first." Willow quipped. She looked at the book Tara was carrying "The Brekenkrieg Grimoire? Light reading?"

How should she respond, Tara thought "Uh, yeah, I was just…"

Willow interrupted "No, it's okay. I, I didn't expect you to stop doing magic just because ... You don't have to hide it. I'm not - I'm, I'm doing better. No spells for thirty-two days." As Tara smiled Willow continued "I can even go to the magic shop now. As long as someone's with me at all times. But, uh, but it's better now, it really is. You know, if you were checking on me."

Wanting to see you yes, checking on you no, Tara thought "No, I wouldn't ... I was just looking for Buffy."

"Oh. Well, I-I haven't seen her since last night. She's not around much these days. We kinda miss her."

"I'm sure she feels the same way. If you see her, c-can you tell her that I need to talk to her? It's important."

"Yeah. Of course I will"

"Thanks" Tara says as she starts to walk off. She stops, turning back. "Will? I'm ... I'm glad you're doing better" Tara gives Willow a small smile before turning and walking away. Willow watches her leave before going into the Magic Box.

Tara was anxious to tell Buffy the good news, reassure the girl that she didn't come back wrong. Tara was sitting on the couch, looking at Buffy who was sitting on the coffee table. She smiled "I-I've double checked everything. There's nothing wrong with you."

"Then why can Spike hurt me?" Buffy asked.

Tara tried to explain "Well, I said that there was nothing wrong with you, but ... you are different. Shifting you out of ... f-f-from where you were ... funneling your essence back into your body ... i-it, it altered you on a basic molecular level. Probably just enough to confuse the sensors or whatever in Spike's chip. But it's all just surfacey physical stuff. It wouldn't have any more effect than ... a bad sunburn."

Buffy tries to hold back the tears as she says, "I didn't come back wrong?"

Tara tries to lighten Buffy's mood "No, you're the same Buffy. With a deep tropical cellular tan."

"You must have missed something. Will you check again?" Buffy asked urgently.

Tara was getting worried, "Buffy, I-I promise, there's nothing wrong with you."

"There has to be! This just can't be me, it isn't me." She can't hold the tears back any longer "Why do I feel like this? Why do I let Spike do those things to me?"

"You mean hit you." Tara states.

Buffy looks at Tara, then looks away.

As realization dawns on Tara she can only say "Oh." She rubs her knees nervously "Oh, huh. Really."

"He's everything I hate. He's everything that ... I'm supposed to be against. But the only time that I ever feel anything is when ... Don't tell anyone, please." Buffy can't believe she just told Tara.

"I won't" Tara says.

Buffy can't stop crying "The way they would look at me ... I just couldn't..."

"I won't tell anyone. I wouldn't do that" Tara assures the distraught slayer.

"Why can't I stop? Why do I keep letting him in?" Buffy whispers

"Do you love him?" Tara asks, trying to comfort the slayer.

Buffy can't answer she just stares at her, tears running down her face.

"I-It's okay if you do. He's done a lot of good, and, and he does love you. A-and Buffy, it's okay if you don't. You're going through a really hard time, and you're..." Tara tries to think of words that will comfort her.

"What? Using him? What's okay about that?"

That's not what Tara meant, "It's not that simple" she tells the slayer.

"It is! It's wrong. I'm wrong. Tell me that I'm wrong, please..." Buffy really starts crying and can't seem to stop herself. "Please don't forgive me, please..." she's sobbing now "Please don't..." Buffy slides off the table and kneels on the floor, putting her head in Tara's lap.

Tara doesn't know what to say, so she just puts her hands on Buffy's head, trying to comfort the girl.

As Tara comforts her, Buffy sobs "Please don't forgive me..."

Tara strokes Buffy's hair as the slayer continues to cry.

After a while Buffy finally settles down. Resolved she says, more to herself "Never again."

Buffy walks determinedly to Spike's crypt. Not bothering to knock as she walks in. She takes in the surroundings. How did she ever think she could find comfort here?

Spike grins at the slayer. 'She can't get enough of me' he thinks to himself. "You come for a bit of cold comfort?"

"I'm not here to…" Buffy starts then stops.

"Oh, this is you telling me…" Spike grins without humor.

"It's over" Buffy finishes.

Spike's smile stays in place as he approaches the slayer "I've memorized this tune, luv. Think I have the sheet music. Doesn't change what you want."

"I did want you, maybe I still do" Spike's quite surprised that she admitted it. Buffy continued "Being with you ... makes things ... simpler. For a little while."

"I don't call five hours straight a little while" Spike can't help but get in a few jabs. He loves her, she must love him in return. How can she not.

"I'm using you" Buffy says.

Spike stares at her, 'maybe she's using me now, but eventually', his thoughts are cut off by the slayer.

"I can't love you. I'm just ... being weak, and selfish..."

Spike moves closer, he'll give the slayer what she wants "Really not complaining here" he grins.

"…and it's killing me" Buffy finishes.

As Spike frowns, Buffy continues, "I have to be strong about this." Spike just continues to stare at her. "I'm sorry… William." Buffy turns and walks out. She steps out into the sunshine. She lifts her face absorbing the rays, a small but sad smile touches her lips. She straightens up and heads off, already feeling the burden lifting off her shoulders.

Spike just stares at the door Buffy walked through, stunned. This isn't how it's supposed to happen. I'm freaking William the bloody. I say when things are over and they're not over yet, Slayer. I'll show you, you love me. Tonight.

Buffy smiles into the mirror. Dawn was at a friend's house and Willow was out. She had the whole house to herself and she was going to take the opportunity to take a nice relaxing bath. She wraps her gray bathrobe around her shoulders and walks towards the bathroom. She goes over to the tub and starts the water running and leans over to check its temperature.

"So, you think you can just decide it's over?" Spike asks from the doorway.

Buffy doesn't look at him as she moves to the sink, gathering her stuff "Get out" she says flatly.

"We have to talk" Spike insists.

Buffy turns to look at him "I really don't."

"Well, this isn't just about you..." he starts "as much as you'd like it to be"

Buffy crosses her arms over her chest "You spoke. I listened. Now leave"

"That's not how this goes. I care about you" Spike says

"I know. But I don't care about you" Buffy replies.

"Don't you think I've tried to make these feelings stop?" Spikes anger starts to rise "I just want it to stop!"

Buffy's not sure what to say, so she doesn't say anything.

Spike sighs, trying to calm his anger "You should have killed me"

"I can't do that"

"Because you love me" Spike interjects.

"No, I don't" Buffy's anger is rising.

"Why do you keep lying to yourself?" Spike says, if he can get the slayer's anger up, they'll fight, then they'll shag, just like old times

"How many times…" Buffy stops, she won't let Spike manipulate her "I had feelings for you. I did. But it's not love, it never was love. I could never trust you enough for it to be love."

Spike laughs out loud at that "Trust is for old marrieds, Buffy" Buffy rolls her eyes, wondering how she can make him understand. Spike continues "Great love is wild ... and passionate and dangerous. It burns and consumes."

"Until there's nothing left. Love like that doesn't last" Buffy says.

Spike starts to pace "I know you feel like I do. You don't have to hide it anymore"

Buffy rolls her eyes again "No. I don't. Spike, please stop this."

Spike's voice drops to a whisper, he's sure he's not wrong "Let yourself feel it." He moves forward and puts his hands on her waist, pulling her forward, pressing his body against hers.

Buffy resists Spike's movements "No…" she says.

"You love me…" Spike insists.

"Ow, no, stop it." Buffy says anxiously. This was going wrong really fast.

Spike pulls her close again, leaning down he tries to kiss her, she pulls back. He tries to work his hand inside her robe. If he can touch her, she'll feel what he does, she'll love him. He doesn't listen as the seam of her robe stretches under his assault, allowing his hand to touch the naked skin along her ribs.

Buffy continues struggling " Spike, no - ow - what are you do…" Buffy loses her balance and falls backward toward the tub. She tries to grab the shower curtain to break her fall, but it gives way and she crashes into the tub, hitting her back hard. "Ow!" she yells in pain as she falls to the floor, groaning.

Spike takes the opportunity to roll her over, get on top of her and hold her down. He grabs her face to hold her still trying to kiss her, show her he loves her, ignoring her fists as she continues to try and fight him off. "Let it go. Let yourself love me" Spike insists as he tries to completely remove her robe.

"No, stop! Ow, Spike, no!" Buffy continues to struggle and manages to get loose. She flips over on her stomach and tries to crawl out the door.

Spike grabs her ankle, halting her escape. He turns her over, straddling her hips holding her down as she continues to yell and protest. "You loves me, you do" Spike keeps whispering over and over.

Buffy continues to struggle trying to break free from his grasp "No, stop it!" she yells.

"I know you felt it ... when I was inside you..." Spike insists, that being his plan now, to get inside her make her feel again. He grabs at the robe again, it's material giving way under his strength as it begins to rip.

Buffy really thought Spike would stop, that he wouldn't do this. Now, she realized that he would. She begins to sob "No, ow, ow!… Please, please, Spike, please..."

"You'll feel it again, Buffy..."

"Please don't do this..." Buffy cries

"I'm gonna make you feel it" he says as he rips open the front of Buffy's robe.

Buffy screams "Stop!" she clears her mind focusing, concentrating all her power to make him stop. Using her slayer strength, she shoves Spike off her and sends him flying across the bathroom, crashing into the sink and the wall.

Buffy stands, looking at Spike with disgust and sadness. She holds her robe together with her hand

Spike gets up, panting and staring at her.

"Ask me again why I could never love you" Buffy grits her teeth to hold back her tears.

Spike just looks at her, then he realizes what he's been doing "Buffy, my god, I didn't…"

"Because I stopped you" Buffy cut him off angrily. Lowering her voice "Something I should have done a long time ago." A tear escapes and runs down Buffy's face.

Spike stares at her, looking horrified. He rushes past her and down the steps, nearly knocking Red to the floor as she came in, in his haste to leave.

"What the…" Willow wonders what Spike is doing there and why he was in such a hurry. "Buffy?" she calls out to the still house as she climbs the steps.

She finds Buffy sitting on the bathroom floor. She sat motionless, except a trail of tears running down her cheeks "Oh god! Buffy, what happened?" Willow voice turned from concerned to angry "What did he do?"

"N-nothing, I mean, he… tried, but I s-stopped him" Buffy choked back a sob.

"I'll kill him" Willow whispered between gritted teeth, the urge to use magic was greater than it had ever been. She could feel it just beneath the surface of her skin.

"No, Will, he's not even worth it." She starts to stand and Willow grabs her as the slayer's legs begin to shake.

"Buffy…" Willow starts, concern for her friend overriding her anger.

"I just want to go to bed, Will. Please?" Buffy asks quietly.

"O-Ok." Willow relents. As she walks Buffy into her bedroom. "Do you want me to stay?"

"N-no." Buffy wipes away her remaining tears. "I'll be fine."

Willow hugs her friend, wishing she could help her. She turns to go but stops as Buffy reaches out and grabs her hand.

"Will, d-don't t-tell. Anyone." Buffy says quietly.

Willow nods and walks out of the room.

Buffy curls up in a fetal position and silently cries until exhaustion forces her body into sleep.

It had been almost a month since Buffy's run in with Spike. The vamp had wisely kept his distance. The first few nights had been hell, she woke constantly, screaming from nightmares. The nightmare changed, sometimes Spike would attack her, other times it was Willow or Dawn. And she could never stop him. He would just laugh as she stood by, unable to help or even move. Many times she'd wake up with Willow holding her, rocking her until she fell back to sleep. Dawnie was worried, but Buffy just couldn't tell her what happened, even though she new the younger Summers could hear her screams at night. Willow showed her some relaxation techniques that had helped, as well as time. She only had them once or twice a week now and they weren't as intense. She was slowly easing back into her routine.

Evie was walking across campus. She hated when she couldn't find a parking spot close to the lab. It was one o'clock in the morning, the parking lot was empty now, but when she had started her shift, it was full. And of course tonight it was raining. She had her head down heading towards her car.

Buffy had followed these two vamps to the Sunnydale campus. It was starting to rain and she was ready to get them dusted. If they would just hold still. She finally caught up to them in one of the parking lots. She usually liked sparring with them a little before dusting them, but tonight she just wanted to end it quickly. She let them get close then in one quick movement she backhanded one with a stake in the chest, then as the other one tried to come down on her, she dropped to one knee and thrust up with Mr. Pointy. The vamp's scream was silenced as he turned to dust.

Evie heard a noise and stupidly, she admitted, rushed towards it. When she got there, she saw "Buffy?" she asked, as the Slayer dusted herself off.

Buffy looked up startled, at the sound of her name. "Oh. Hey, Evie" Buffy looked at the shorter blonde. She was wearing blue jeans and a white button blouse, which was getting wet, outlining the girls ample breasts. Even in street light, Buffy could see the girls hardened nipples. Buffy usually got aroused from slaying, but looking at Evie was intense. Buffy felt herself being drawn to the girl, walking slowly towards her.

"I, I thought you, you weren't going here this semester" Evie asked nervously as Buffy moved closer to her. Evie blushed, she felt like Buffy was checking her out again. She followed Buffy's gaze and realized her shirt was wet, outlining her breasts. Evie nervously put her hands in her front pockets, hunching her shoulders forward so the material of her shirt wasn't plastered to her breasts. At the movement, Buffy realized she was staring at the girl and quickly looked into her face.

"Oh, I'm not, here, this semester" Buffy said, then thinking "what are you doing out so late?"

"Lab" Evie nodded in the direction of the building across campus.

"Kinda late" Buffy noted. The rain was easing up. Buffy watched as the rain trickled down Evie's face. She had to fight the urge not to use her tongue to lick the trails of water from her face. Shaking her erotic thoughts from her head, Buffy tried to concentrate on what Evie was saying.

"Yeah, just closed so I'm heading home. My car's over there." Evie said. Buffy kept looking at her and all Evie could do was blush.

Buffy needed to get out of there before she acted on some of the fantasies she was having. "You better be getting home" Buffy suggested, not really wanting to go.

"Yeah, I've got an eight o'clock class tomorrow" Evie said though she made no move to leave.

"And, and I need to get going, too" Buffy added. She started moving her feet.

"Yeah" Evie said backing in the general direction of her car.

Buffy smiled then turned and started running, putting distance between herself and Evie and running off some of her excess energy.

Evie watched Buffy run off, a huge smile on her face. She was still smiling all the way home.

"So, what's up?" Evie asked Tara. Evie wanted to tell Tara about her encounter with Buffy the other day, ask about her, but Tara seemed distracted today.

"Oh, I'm just thinking" Tara replied.

"About what?"

"It's just a friend of mine, Xander, is having a birthday in a week and I can't figure out what to get him" Tara said. She also couldn't help but remember Buffy's birthday party just a few weeks ago. Willow had looked so good and she really did seem to be doing much better. Tara knew these things took time, she just wished time would hurry up.

"Maybe I can help. So what does he like, what does he do?"

"Well he likes…" Tara blushed as she thought 'sex with his fiancée' but instead continued, "I mean he works in construction. I'm not exactly sure what all he does, but he seems to like it."

"Hmmm. Not much to go on, tell me more" Evie encouraged.

"Hey, I've got an idea, why don't you come with me to the Magic Box and meet him, see what you think."

Evie felt a little nervous "Are you sure it will be Ok?"

"Sure, and you can meet some more of the gang."

Ok, now Evie was more than a little nervous "Um, how many people are we talking about?"

Tara still found it hard to believe that Evie would be nervous around her friends "Probably just be two or three there now."

"Well, if you want. I'll be happy to come with you" Evie gave in. Tara had been doing a lot better lately. Evie knew she had seen Willow, at least a couple of times and wondered if that were a sign of them getting back together.

"Great, let's go" Tara smiled as she stood and held out her hand to help Evie up. Evie took the proffered hand and smiled back as they grabbed their stuff and headed towards the Magic Box.

The two girls were giggling as they opened the door to the Magic Box. Xander glanced up and his eyes narrowed at the new girl with Tara. He had accepted Willow's relationship with Tara, and had really grown to like her. He was actually hoping they would get back together, but who was this new girl? Had Tara moved on? Judging from the way Tara had stood up to Anya at Buffy's party, he thought she and Willow still had a chance. He was immediately on the defensive.

"Hello, Tara. Have you brought someone with you that would like to make a purchase today?" Anya asked, her eyes gleaming at the thought of a sale.

"Oh, this is my friend Evie. She goes to UC Sunnydale. Evie this is Anya, and that's Xander" she motioned towards Xander who had stood up from the table and was making his way towards them a little cautiously. Tara continued "Evie said she's never been in here before and we have some time before class, so I thought I'd bring her by."

"So" Xander started, "have you seen Willow?" getting right to the point.

"N-not today. How is she?" Tara asked.

Evie moved away from the two, feeling a little tension. She moved around the shop looking at the various items on the shelves also admiring the bookcases that displayed them.

"She's doing a lot better," Xander said.

Tara nodded, not really trusting herself to continue this conversation. "So are you guys doing research or…"

"No, I'm just working on the schedule for the job site this week." Xander said, allowing Tara to change the subject.

Evie made her way back over to them as she heard the conversation change topics. "Tara said you work in construction," she said, trying to get Xander to talk, "so what types of jobs do you work on?"

Xander was a little apprehensive but no one usually took an interest in what he did so he decided to answer. "Well, right now we're working on a new job downtown." He glanced around the shop "Actually, I did a lot of the bookcases and shelves here."

"Really?" Evie asked, impressed.

"Oh, and he made a beautiful weap – I mean chest for Buffy for her birthday" Tara added, hoping Evie hadn't picked up on her slip.

"Wow, so do you plane your own boards?" Evie asked.

"Actually, yes" Xander said, intrigued and a little excited he had someone who understood what he did.

"What type of jointer do you use – do you use dovetails or biscuits?" Evie continued, knowing some of her excitement was showing, she already had some ideas for Tara for Xander's birthday.

"Right now I mainly use the biscuits. The biscuit jointer was less expensive, but once I save a little money I might expand my tool collection." Xander said. Anya and Tara looked at one another wondering what the heck they were talking about.

"From the looks of the designs on the bookcases, you do a lot of router work as well, they're beautiful."

Xander actually blushed "Thank you, I do use a router, I hope to expand my bit collection a bit, hey – that's funny, but I've just started getting into the decorative side, but we've been pretty busy at the site lately. I use a mouse sander and have a small table saw. How do you know so much about woodworking tools?"

"Oh, I was into the whole woodworking scenario for awhile" Evie replied.

"Really, what did you make?"

"Oh, firewood mostly" Evie giggled. "I understood the concepts, the tools and such, but when it actually came to making it, I couldn't cut a straight line, or follow a curve or well, I just pretty much sucked. But, I guess if it were easy, everybody would do it. You have a lot of talent," Evie said sincerely.

Buffy walked in on the last sentence "Who has a lot of talent?" she asked.

Evie smile and blushed.

Xander turned and smiled at one of his best friends. "I do, evidently. I was just talking to Evie about woodworking."

Buffy raised an eyebrow in Evie's direction and was rewarded with a deeper blush from the blonde.

Tara saw Evie's blush, and noticed she wasn't replying. That was unusual, deciding to help out her new friend she said, "Yeah, they've been talking about jointers, routers and bits."

"Oh my" Buffy added with a grin. "Does anyone else no what they're talking about" she asked Tara and Anya.

"Not really, seems like some sort of code talk" Tara giggled

"Now you see how I feel when you guys talk spells and magic stuff," Xander said. Everyone glanced nervously in Evie's direction at Xander's slip.

Not used to having everyone stare at her, Evie said, "We are in a magic shop, aren't we? I still don't know what all goes on in Sunnydale but if you guys help keep people safe" she smiled at Buffy "then I won't push for information, at least not yet. I can understand the need for caution."

"You have no idea," Buffy mumbled.

"What was that?" Evie asked, not quite catching what Buffy said.

"Oh, nothing" Buffy said.

Tara glanced at the clock "Oh, I have class soon. I guess we better be getting back."

Evie looked at her watch and hid her disappointment at having to leave since Buffy just got there. "Yeah, I have class, too." She held out her hand to shake Xander's "It was nice meeting you, I'd love to see more of your work."

"Sure, anytime" Xander said, liking the girl despite his earlier hesitancy.

Evie waved at Anya as well "Nice meeting you, you have a very nice shop."

"Thank you" Anya said.

Evie walked to the door and stepped back as she opened it, intending to hold the door while Tara exited. Tara smiled then stopped as Willow appeared, "H-hey" she said.

"Hey" Willow replied then glanced at the shorter blonde holding the door. The same one she had seen with Tara on several occasions now.

"Oh, Willow this is Evie, Evie, Willow" Tara made the introductions.

Evie smiled as she said, "Nice to meet you Willow."

"Yes, you too" Willow replied, not!

"I need to get to class, I'll see you later" Evie said as she stepped past the redhead, feeling the tension between the two.

"I should get to class, too" Tara said to Willow, adding "Bye" over her shoulder as she walked out and quickly caught up with Evie.

"Who was that?" Willow asked the group as she entered the shop.

"That's Evie, a new friend of Tara's" Anya said "She knows about Xander's tools."

Willow raised an eyebrow at her best male friend. "Your tools?"

"Woodworking tools" Xander clarified. "It was nice having someone who understood what I do."

"We understand" Willow said maybe a little defensively.

"You understand the finished product, but she knew about the process, the tools and stuff, and well it was nice."

Buffy found her thoughts drifting back to Evie "I'm going to do a little training." She was very confused lately, especially with her feelings and attraction for Evie. She kept dreaming about how she looked that night in the rain. Her shirt tight against her body, the rain running down her cheeks. Shaking her head she began to stretch, then she started hitting the heavy bag. Her thoughts drifted back to when Willow had first told her about Tara. Willow had asked Buffy if she were freaked. She'd said she wasn't but she sort of was, but not about Willow. She thought about the way she felt when Faith was around and Faith wasn't the only girl she'd thought about, though she'd never acted. She'd always only pursued the men she found attractive, not the women. But Evie was different, she was really drawn to her and Buffy was getting tired of fighting her growing attraction. Buffy sighed and tried to concentrate harder on her training.

"I have a great idea for Xander's present from you" Evie began excitedly as the moved away from the Magic Box, purposefully skipping the awkwardness that took place between Willow and Tara at the shop. "Do you have some time after class, we can go shopping?"

"I can't believe you already have an idea. How do you do it?" Tara asked.

"Do what, pick out presents?" Evie was confused a little, but still smiling, she couldn't suppress her excitement.

"No, I mean you always seem to" Tara paused as she thought about what she wanted to say "you always seem to put people at ease, get them to open up, even me." Tara paused and she frowned a little "I've seen you with other p-people at school and you seem to relate well to everyone. But I don't really know anything about you. I don't even know your last name."

Evie shrugged "Smith. We talk all the time, I tell you all kinds of stuff. Oh, here's my stop. We'll meet later, go shopping, I have class until four" Evie grinned, her enthusiasm getting the better of her. She was so excited, she just hoped she could find what she had in mind for Xander.

Tara couldn't help but smile, Evie's enthusiasm was contagious "Yes, meet me at my dorm after your last class and we'll go shopping."

Evie grabbed Tara in a quick hug, then stepped back "This is going to be so much fun." She squeezed Tara's hand then turned and practically skipped into the building.

Tara laughed as she watched her friend disappear into the building. Tara turned around as her thoughts turned serious. She hoped she wasn't taking advantage of her new friend. Whenever Evie was around it helped her relax. Tara began to think about Willow as she headed to class.

Evie was still excited the next day about finding Xander's present. She didn't have class with Tara but she knew she should be between classes. She spotted her down the hallway and started making her way towards her.

Neither Evie nor Tara saw Willow standing in the hallway

"Hi, um, Tara, how are you?" Willow rehearsed to herself.

"W-well, I-I was wondering, maybe, you would wanna go out sometime? For coffee… food… kisses and gay love?" Willow sighed. Subtle much? Maybe a different approach "Hi Tara. Guess what? Magic-free now for, insert number, days now."

Willow sees Tara walking down the hallway, on the other side of the wall. 'This is it', Willow thinks to herself. Willow smiles nervously, hoping to intercept Tara.

Tara saw Evie coming towards her. She couldn't help but smile. She knew Evie was still excited about the gift they had found for Xander. She really wished she could invite the other girl along to the party, but it really wasn't her place to ask. Evie smiled at Tara.

"Hey" Evie says as she kisses Tara lightly on the lips in greeting.

"Hey" Tara replies, "you crack me up – you're still excited about Xander's gift."

"Yeah, I'm a big goof ball, you should see me at Christmas."

Tara smiled "I'll catch up with you after class."

"Ok" Evie grins as she heads off towards her own class.

Willow couldn't believe it, she was too late, Tara had found someone else. At least it sure looked that way. Her thoughts of talking to Tara flew out the window. She turned around, not ready to face the truth.

Tara continues walking, smiling. She spots Willow's back among the crowd, and pauses frowning slightly. Had Willow been looking for her? Why would she leave without talking to her? It seems Tara had so many questions and no answers. The one thing she knew for sure was she missed Willow.

A couple days later Tara was walking back from dinner, trying to decide whether she should take a cab to the Magic Box. She would normally walk, but it was starting to get dark and Buffy said that Warren, Jonathon and Andrew were really causing some trouble and kept conjuring demons.

"Hey! Tara!" Evie called as she saw Tara walking across campus. She'd just gotten out of a late class.

"Hey, Evie" Tara smiled.

"You heading home?" Evie asked.

"No, I'm heading down to the Magic Box, I was just getting ready to call a cab."

"There's no need to call a cab, I can take you. I have some time to kill before I need to go to the lab," Evie said.

"I don't want to inconvenience you" Tara began.

Evie cut off her protest "Don't be silly, I'd be happy to take you. Are you ready now, did you need to get anything?"

"Nope, I'm ready – are you sure you don't mind?"

"Come on" Evie grabbed Tara's arm and led her to her car.

It only took a few minutes to get to the Magic Box, but Tara was glad Evie had brought her. It was already dark and Tara didn't really like the idea of being out alone. She thought back to when she and Willow would spend nights together in her dorm. Shaking her head to clear it she turned to Evie.

"First stop, the magic shop – hey I'm rhyming" Evie giggled.

"You coming in?" Tara giggled.

Evie looked in and saw quite a few of Tara's friends milling around. "Oh, I don't think so. Hey, did you need a ride back, I could come back and pick you up later?"

"Oh, um I don't know, actually. Why don't you come in and I'll see if Xander can give me a ride home?"

Feeling a little hesitant Evie conceded, "Ok, just for a minute."

Evie stepped through the door first. As she entered, someone threw a punch at her. She lifted her arms to deflect the punch but the force was enough to spin her around. She used the momentum of the spin to come back around in a roundhouse kick to the guys' head – was it a guy? Her kick spun him around and Buffy did a back flip, catching him under the chin, flipping him over and he landed on his stomach. Buffy jumped on him and stabbed him, then poof, he was gone in a cloud of dust. Evie just stood there looking at Buffy, kneeling on the ground, a wooden stake in her hand.

Everybody else was looking at Evie – Xander, Willow, Anya, Tara, Dawn and Buffy – they were all waiting for the girl to react to what just happened.

"So, that's what happens!" Evie exclaimed eyes wide, everything seeming to click into place. A little excited, she started speed talking, "I could never figure it out. I mean, I knew there were these, these things out there, but nobody talks about it. That, that was a vampire wasn't it? Are there other things out there, too, I mean I've seen some pretty strange things and I don't think they're all vampires some look really gross and so was it? And where did he go?" She turned to Tara, then back to Buffy waiting for someone to answer. She realized everyone was staring at her and settled down, taking a deep breath, but she couldn't stop the blush that crept into her cheeks. "Sorry, I guess you guys are used to this. I can't believe it, I've lived here for four years why doesn't anyone else talk about this? It does help explain the shift differential" She mumbled the last part to herself.

"Most people tend to block this type of thing out, not really willing to accept the things that go on in this town. It helps them deal." Buffy tried to explain. "But, if you really want to know more, I think maybe we can help." Buffy stood and looked at everyone, silently asking for consent. Xander and Anya nodded, Dawn just shrugged, Willow didn't look very happy at the idea, Tara nodded as well.

"I definitely want to know more about this, but I can't stay" Evie said.

"Oh, that's right. Xander can you take me back to the dorm later?" Tara asked.

"Sure. Hey Evie, we're all getting together Friday at Buffy's why don't you come over and we can talk about it" Xander said impulsively.

"Ok" Evie turned to go. Tara grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze as she walked past "I'm s-sorry" she said.

Evie smiled "Don't be." She gave Tara a quick hug. "I'll see you in class tomorrow" Evie said then turned and waved at the others, before walking out the door.

Buffy decided to follow Evie "I'll be right back, you guys fill Tara in on the nerd trio's latest development" Buffy went outside and caught up with Evie at her car.

"Hey, I'm sorry" Buffy began.

"Like I said, don't be sorry. I told you I knew about the bumps in the night."

"Yes, but I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I really should have told you sooner. I knew you could handle it and you obviously can take care of yourself. That was a nice move by the way" Buffy grinned, trying to put the girl at ease.

"You have some great moves yourself" Evie said, her voice huskier than she intended. Was she flirting with Buffy? She was never good at the flirting.

Buffy felt a warmth spread through her body. She felt herself leaning in towards Evie, her breath quickening. She reached out her hand and slowly ran it up Evie's arm, watching her hand move across the girls bare skin. She stopped herself and shook her head, letting her hand drop to her side. "Um, I guess we'll see you Friday, we can talk more then."

Evie had been holding her breath and finally let it out slowly. "O-Ok, yes, Friday."

Buffy reached up and gave her arm a squeeze before heading back inside with the others.

Evie smiled as she headed back to campus.

"So, is Friday Xander's birthday party?" Evie asked Tara the next day after class.

"Oh, yeah. You can just put your name on what I got him – you picked it out anyway."

"No, that's Ok, I just wanted to make sure. I just want to get him a little something" Evie replied.

"Ok" Tara smiled at her friend, she was so thoughtful and intuitive.

Evie and Tara arrived at Xander's party together. Tara had told her about demons and vampires and the fact that Tara was a witch and Willow was a witch but didn't practice or something anymore, and Buffy was the Slayer, and some other stuff but it was all a bit much to take in. Everyone else was already at the party when they got there. They moved into kitchen and put their gifts on the table. Willow watched as Evie leans in and whispers something to Tara, Tara giggles and playfully hits the girl on the arm. Willow looks around for Buffy and motions her to the other room.

"What's up?" Buffy wonders at Willow's serious expression.

"What do you know about Evie and Tara – I mean are they like together now?" Willow inquired.

Buffy's heart jumped at the thought, were Tara and Evie now an item? They hadn't been, but things could change. She thought back to the other night, when she had touched Evie's arm. The times she dreamt of kissing the girl since then. She tried to ease Willow's fears as much as her own "I don't think so Will, I think they're just friends."

"Well" Xander begins. "I hope this party isn't as eventful as Buffy's." Everyone giggled a little nervously except Evie. She wondered what happened at Buffy's party. Evie looked questioningly at Tara

"Oh, a vengeance demon sort of cast a spell where we couldn't get out of the house. Then this other demon was released from his sword and attacked everyone. He kept disappearing into the walls until Buffy took care of him." She glanced at Willow, remembering it was when she gave up the last of her magic supply.

"And Richard recovered nicely from his sword wound" Xander quipped.

Evie gulped visibly. "Sword wound?" she asked a little apprehensively.

Willow noticed and couldn't help but get in a little dig "Yeah, did they use staples or stitches to close up his stomach?" she asked the question to Xander but glanced at Evie and was a little delighted when the girl turned white.

"Oh, it's not as bad as it sounds" Tara was quick to add, glancing at Willow wondering she would say something like that.

Xander ignored Willow's question, he knew his best friend, knew she was a little jealous. Good, it might be enough to get her and Tara back together. But now he had other thoughts on his mind "Time for presents?" he asked as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

Everyone laughed, including Evie albeit a little nervously.

Xander opened up Willow's present first "It's Charlie Brown's Christmas." The gang knew that Willow always went to Xander's during Christmas just to watch him do the snoopy dance.

"Now, you can do the snoopy dance whenever you want, Christmas not needed" Willow quipped, hoping Xander liked the movie.

"Thanks, Will" Xander replied as he hugged his best friend.

Anya was about to burst "Open mine next" she urged.

"Ok" Xander said, a little apprehensively. He tore the paper off a shoebox size package that wasn't very heavy. He dug through the tissue paper and found an envelope. He opened it, he's eyes widening as he started to read

"It's a gift certificate to a sex shop," Anya blurted. "I was going to buy you something but I couldn't make up my mind, they had so many good things."

Xander could hardly speak but tried to say "Anya," his lips moved but no sound came out.

Anya continued, "They had edible under garments and these rings that you put around a man's…"

"Anya!" Xander found his voice and stopped his girlfriend.

"What?" Anya was confused. "Everyone should be used to this by now. Evie's the only one new and she and Tara are probably orgasm buddies now so she…"

Evie put her hand over her mouth as she almost spit out her soda. She began choking. Tara moved to her as Evie stood trying to speak "Bathroom" she whispered between coughs and gasps. Tara led her to the bathroom.

"Are you Ok?" Tara asked.

Evie was finally able to breath normally "Yes. Just wasn't expecting that. She's a little uh, straightforward isn't she?"

"Anya? Yeah. You'll get used to her, she's actually nice once you get to know her, though a little rough around the edges. Gonna live?"

"Yes, I think so, um Tara?" Evie replied.

"What's up, Evie?" Tara asked.

"Do your friends really think that we are, you know, together? I mean, I don't… well I know you and Willow have a past and, and I really hope you have a future. Besides, I sort of, well anyway, I was just wondering, and I actually told Buffy we were just friends."

Tara squeezed Evie's hand reassuringly "It's O-Ok. Anya thinks that about everybody. But if anyone else wanted to know, I'm s-sure they'd just ask." At least Tara hoped so, especially Willow. "Are you ready to go back?"

"Yes" Evie replied, hoping that Tara was right. Tara was a wonderful girl but Evie didn't want everyone getting the wrong impression, well she didn't want Buffy getting the wrong impression, she really wanted to get to know her.

They joined the others back in the living room. Xander had continued opening his presents, but had saved Tara and Evie's presents until they returned.

"Just your two left" Xander said as Evie and Tara sat down on the sofa. Tara sat on the end, and Evie sat between her and Buffy.

"Oh, sorry we made you wait" Evie said with a blush. Her leg brushed against Buffy's and she felt the heat from the Slayer. Her blush deepened.

"Which one should I open first?" Xander said excitedly.

"Oh, open mine first, save Tara's for last" Evie was getting excited, she reached out to grab Tara's hand, and instinctively grabbing Buffy's in her other hand as well. Evie was smiling and Tara couldn't help but smile back, she knew Evie was excited, almost as excited as Xander.

Xander ripped into Evie's present, tearing off the paper to reveal a cardboard box. He opened it and pulled out some tissue paper.

"Ohh, cool!" He exclaimed, beginning to pull some items out of the box.

Willow looked at Buffy, Buffy shrugged, Willow looked at Tara who smiled and nodded toward Evie. Willow frowned a little as Evie was looking very excited.

"I didn't know what size biscuits you used so I got the assortment pack," Evie said.

"This is great!" Xander gushed again.

"Uh, guys, do you think you could fill us in?" Buffy asked as Xander continued to remove items from the box. She couldn't help but smile at Evie who was beaming. She squeezed her hand a little and was rewarded with a huge smile with a slight blush from the blonde.

Evie turned to Buffy excitedly "Oh, sorry. Um, the oval disk type things in the plastic container are biscuits – n-not the kind you eat of course – you use them when you join pieces of wood together."

"Ok. And, I see the pencils, even if they are square, but why does some of the sandpaper look funny?" Buffy asked.

"Oh, it's for his mouse sander" Evie supplied.

"So it has ears, because it's a mouse?" Buffy asked. The paper was triangle shaped with two extra diamond shapes at the point that stuck out kind of like ears.

"No, actually they're extra noses." Evie giggled "The point of the sander – the nose – usually gets worn out first, so you remove it and replace it with one of the extra pieces. The rest of the stuff is just typical sandpaper, some wood glue, a few bits, just woodworking supplies" Evie finished off then blushed as she realized she was talking excitedly about woodworking tools and everyone was looking at her. Buffy must think she was a dork, she started to lean her head forward then remembered she no longer had her hair to hide behind. She glanced at Buffy and was relieved to see that she was just smiling at her. She continued "Anyway, open Tara's" if possible Evie was even more excited than when Xander opened her own gift.

Willow couldn't help be a little jealous. Xander was so excited about Evie's gift. Evie was sitting and holding Tara's hand. Was Evie the butch – was Tara into butch now, is that why she was attracted to Evie? Wait – was Tara attracted to Evie? Even Buffy was holding Evie's hand, asking questions and smiling at the girl. Something wasn't right, Willow could feel it, this seemed a little too familiar.

Xander gave Evie a quick hug then ripped into Tara's gift. If Evie thought Tara's gift was better than what she had just given him, he couldn't wait to see it.

Xander's eyes widened "Tara, this is so awesome!"

"Evie helped me pick it out" Tara glanced at Evie who was practically bouncing out of her seat. Tara looked at Willow and smiled. Willow tried to smile back, but didn't succeed. Tara glanced at Buffy who was smiling openly at Evie with… what was the look she had? When Xander had hugged Evie, she'd let go of her and Buffy's hand. Now Evie was just holding Buffy's. Xander interrupted Tara's thoughts.

"That's Ok" Xander replied, "I sort of figured that, but this is great."

Buffy wanted to ask what it was but Evie was rubbing light circles on her hand causing her skin to be all tingly. She was getting lost in the sensations. She looked at Evie's neck wondering what it would taste like if she leaned over and flicked her tongue out, wondered if Evie would tilt her head back, allowing Buffy easy access. Buffy's seductive thoughts were interrupted.

"What is it?" Anya asked the question the others were thinking.

"I can attach this to my router and make letters, words, pretty stuff" Xander clarified, hopefully putting it in words the girls would understand.

"Oh, great. Now you'll be spending all your spare time in your shop, and you won't want to have sex with me. Can you at least make me something? I prefer pretty green paper with pictures of dead presidents on it?" Anya asked, only partly kidding.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea" Evie said, a plan forming at Anya's question.

"Are you suggesting counterfeiting?" Willow accused, hoping to find something bad about Evie.

"Really?" Anya perked up at Evie, ignoring Willow.

"Yeah." Evie glanced around as her idea took shape "Well, no, not the counterfeiting part. But you could find something that was easy to mass produce. Something unique but easy that you could prepare the wood for and then assemble. Like," thinking back to the magic shop, the idea became clearer "You could make small shelves, and, and display them at the magic shop, and, and put decorative scroll along the edges, using the router to write words or phrases along the top. You, you could write Magic or some type of magical saying – Tara or Anya could help you with that, or even take orders, customize them. People love that stuff. Personal, handmade gifts you can't get anywhere else. I mean it's the perfect opportunity, considering you have a such a close relationship with a particular magic shop owner"

"That's me" Anya quipped, "when can you get started?"

Xander laughed, at least Anya liked his woodworking now.

Buffy smiled at Evie, the girls blue eyes were sparkling and Buffy thought she could get lost in them.

Evie was having a hard time breathing. Buffy kept looking at her and she hadn't pulled away when Evie held her hand. She wished there weren't other people around. Who was she kidding? It was probably best that there were, she'd be all nervous around Buffy, besides, Buffy didn't think of her like that. Buffy had assured her she liked men. Though, there had been a couple of times where Evie thought Buffy might feel something more, the way she looked at her. Evie shook the thoughts out of her head.

They ate cake and ice cream. Everyone was having a good time but, it was getting a little late and Evie had to go. She still had to go to the lab tonight for a couple of hours. She stood to leave, wishing she and Tara had brought her car instead of walking. She would have liked to stay as long as possible.

Evie stood "I hate to leave, but I got to get going."

Willow looked to Tara "Are, are you leaving, too?" she inquired, wondering why they would have to leave.

"I thought you were going to stay tonight, if Buffy said it was Ok" Evie interjected, she didn't want Tara to leave just because she had to go. Tara hadn't really said about staying, but Evie was trying a little matchmaking or making up, hoping Willow and Tara would have some time to talk.

"I, uh" Tara started, confused since she hadn't said that, "I mean, I don't…"

"Of, of course you should stay" Willow halted what she was afraid was a protest from Tara.

"Sure, actually, why don't you both stay?" Buffy turned to Evie.

Evie almost groaned, it would be so nice, but she had to get to work. "I really, really wish I could but I have to go. I didn't drive either so I need to get going."

"Do you want me to walk with you?" Buffy asked.

Yes! "No" Evie said out loud. "You stay here with the party. I'll be Ok." Evie opened the door, the temperature had dropped and Evie shivered a little.

"You didn't bring a coat, wait here and you can borrow one of mine" Buffy said.

Evie thought about protesting but instead said "Thanks, that would be great."

"Are you sure you're Ok?" Tara asked, wanting to stay but not wanting Evie to be alone "I could go with you."

"No, that's Ok. I'll see you tomorrow." Evie said and she gave Tara a quick hug as Buffy came back with a jacket.

"Here you are" Buffy held up the jacket and helped Evie put it on.

Evie blushed "Thank you. I'll see you guys later."

"Thanks for the presents, Evie" Xander said.

"And the money idea" Anya added.

Evie giggled and waved as she headed out the door and down the steps.

Buffy watched Evie go, really wanting to go with her but knowing she should stay for the party. She sighed and closed the door as Evie went down the walk.

Evie bent her head and buried her nose in Buffy's coat, inhaling her scent and warmth that was enveloping her. She was smiling, thinking of the Slayer when she felt someone grab her from behind.

"Let's get back to the way we were Slayer" a male voice said as he spun her around and started to kiss her. She pushed away and swung out with her right hand, catching the guy across the jaw, he spun halfway round but then came back with a right hand of his own, catching her in the torso. When he hit her, the force was enough to send her spinning, flying into a large tree, knocking the wind out of her even more and banging the back of her head against it. Her assailant screamed, holding his head.

"What the f..." Spike looked at the girl on the ground. "You're not the Slayer" Spike had reacted instinctively when he swung out at the girl. He realized he hadn't changed. He still thought he could win Buffy over with violence and that was wrong.

Evie still had trouble catching her breath and her head was pounding, but she had seen the fangs. Why would a vampire be kissing the slayer? Evie fought the darkness that tried to envelope her, but she couldn't stand yet, her legs wouldn't hold her.

Buffy heard a male voice yell and went running out the door, thoughts of Evie in trouble flashing through her mind.

Spike took off when he heard the Summers front door open.

Buffy found Evie lying at the base of the tree. Tara, Xander and Willow were close behind. "What happened?" Buffy demanded, her heart aching to see the girl hurt.

"Ow, a, a vampire, I think. Happened… real… fast. Ran… when… heard… you" Evie managed to get out.

"Why would a vampire be this close to the Slayer's house, does he have a death wish or something?" Xander asked.

Buffy knew immediately which vampire would be lurking in the shadows around her house. It was Spike's yell she heard, caused by the chip when he'd attacked Evie, thinking it was Buffy. Shame flooded Buffy and she had to fight back tears. She was the reason Evie was lying here now.

"Let's g-get h-her in the house" Tara said.

Buffy resisted the urge to pick up Evie and cradle her in her arms. Instead she and Xander helped Evie to her feet. Buffy caught her though as she began to sway, wrapping her arms around the slightly shorter blonde to steady her.

"S-sorry. Should have been more careful" Evie said.

"No, it's not your fault" Buffy began leading her back into the house. When they got inside she told Xander to carry Evie up to her bedroom while she got a few medical supplies to tend to the girl.

Buffy walked in and Tara was sitting on the bed next to Evie, holding her hand. Willow was standing to the side, looking concerned but cautious. They had removed Buffy's jacket and the girl's shoes. She was lying there in her jeans and t-shirt. Buffy smiled a little as she saw the girl's socks. They were white with red toes with little Winnie the Poohs on them.

Buffy moved to the bed "Evie, can you tell us where you hurt?"

Evie groaned "Everywhere"

"Sweetie" Tara started. Willow almost groaned herself at the term Tara used. Tara continued, "Can y-you be a l-little more s-specific?"

Evie was trying to clear her head enough to concentrate. "My head… hit it on the tree" she started.

Buffy leaned her forward and saw Evie grimace and hold her side. They'd have to check it out next. She examined the cut on Evie's head, blood staining her light blonde hair. She cleaned it, trying not to grimace when Evie sucked in her breath as Buffy hit a particularly sensitive spot.

"I'll go get some ibuprofen" Willow said. She couldn't really watch. She didn't trust the girl and seeing the way Tara was looking at her…

"Do you have any more gauze?" Willow spun around at Tara's voice, not realizing she had been followed.

"Oh, uh, yes." Willow said.

Tara gave a small smile, sensing something was off with Willow. "Are you Ok?"

"Who, me, sure, zippity good fine, I am. I escaped the bump on the head this time. Not, not that I wanted her to get attacked." Willow was quick to add.

Tara smiled a little more "I know." Tara continued "She… she's been a g-good f-friend." She hoped Willow understood they were just friends.

"I understand" Willow said, inside thinking how good a friend was she?

They returned to the room, Buffy had Evie's head wound cleansed and they helped her bandage it. Buffy gently eased Evie down so that she was lying on her back. Buffy wanted to look at the girls ribs, but was suddenly nervous. She needed to pull Evie's shirt up, and she was thinking she should unbutton her pants a little to help untuck her t-shirt. She tried to steady her hands as she reached for the button on Evie's jeans.

Tara watched thoughtfully as Buffy eased the button open and slowly lowered Evie's zipper. Tara thought Buffy looked… nervous? She watched as the slayer slowly raised the t-shirt, pushing the material under Evie's breasts and they all sucked in their breath at once, even Willow, when they saw the bruise on Evie's left rib cage, a dark area the size of a fist, surrounded by lighter and lighter shades of bruise, spread from under her breast to the bottom of her ribcage. Buffy's anger started rising.

"That… didn't… sound good" Evie said, as she opened her eyes to look at the worried faces around her.

"You, you might have broken some ribs." Buffy pushed down her anger, concern for Evie taking over. "We should think about getting you to a hospital."

"No, that's… Ok. They'd … just tape them anyway. You can do that right?" She asked Buffy, not wanting to leave.

"Sure" Buffy smiled, pushing an imaginary lock of hair from the girl's forehead.

Evie smiled back. She looked over at Tara and Willow, they were standing next to each other, but not touching, Evie gave a slight frown, why weren't they back together yet?

Willow saw Evie frown when she looked at her and Tara. Evie was upset that Willow was standing so close. Well, she'd just move closer. She wasn't giving Tara up without a fight. As she started to move nearer Tara, Tara walked to the bed "Go ahead and take these" she handed Evie a couple ibuprofen and a glass of water.

Buffy taped up the girl's ribs. "How long has it been since we brought her in?" she asked Tara and Willow.

"At least an hour, I think" Tara replied.

Evie tried to think, she was forgetting something, she had been up here an hour "The… lab" she started.

Buffy looked at Tara, she just shrugged, not sure what Evie was talking about.

"I… was supposed to be there. Need to call." Evie said trying to focus.

Lab? What kind of lab would Evie need to go to at this time of night, Willow wondered. 'A secret lab that tries to kill the slayer and eliminate witches, I'll bet' Willow thought.

Buffy motioned for them all to leave and she started to follow, wanting to talk to them.

"Please, don't… don't leave" Evie whimpered.

Tara started to turn back but stopped when Evie said "Buffy… please?"

Buffy turned to Willow and Tara, "You two go ahead. I'll be down in a little bit, once I get her settled."

Evie relaxed as Buffy sat on the bed next to her, she looked up at Buffy and reached out a hand to touch the slayer's cheek. She smiled slightly.

Buffy leaned into Evie's touch and smiled, before turning serious "What lab, Evie?"

Evie remembered now and tried to reach into her pocket. She winced and Buffy pushed her hand aside and reached in to Evie's front pocket to pull out her wallet. Trying to still the quickening of her heart at the intimacy of the movement. She handed it to Evie.

Evie opened it and pulled out a business card that had a bunch of numbers for the university. There was a handwritten number on the back. She looked up at Buffy "Can you call this number, ask for Jeff. See if he can cover for me at the lab."

"What lab, Evie?" Buffy asked again.

"The, the computer lab, I, I work there. Didn't I tell you? No body likes the late shift. I work it because it pays a little more since they can't find students to cover it. But Jeff will cover for me and he'll stay safe. Just tell him I'm sick" Evie finished, rambling as her thoughts were still a little jumbled.

Buffy smiled as she remembered Evie saying, "Shift differential. That's what you were talking about the day at the magic shop."

"Yeah" Evie smiled.

"I'll call right now" Buffy reached for the phone and dialed. "Is Jeff there?"

"Speaking" came the male voice.

"Hi, I'm a friend of Evie's. She's feeling sick and can't make it to work. Could you cover for her?"

The male's voice became very concerned "Is she Ok? Does she need anything, has the doctor seen her?"

Buffy wondered about the concern and tried to ease the boy's fears. "She'll be fine. She's in good hands" Buffy smiled down at Evie.

"O-Ok, if you're sure. I'll cover for her. Tell her I hope she feels better."

"Thank you, I will, Bye" Buffy finished the conversation and hung up the phone. She had a small frown as she turned to Evie.

Evie smiled "He freaked a little didn't he?"

Buffy relaxed a little "Yes, how did you know?"

"I've worked in the lab for like three years and it's the first time I've ever had anybody cover for me. I should have warned you he might be worried." Evie replied.

"Wow, and you always work at night – that's why you're always heading off. I wondered why you spent so much time in the lab. I mean we research all the time and I don't think we log that much time."

Evie smiled, then suppressed a yawn.

"Sleepy?" Buffy smiled as she reached out to caress the girl's cheek.

Evie nodded as her eyes began to close. She opened them once more "Stay with me?" she asked.

Buffy smiled and stretched out next to her, being careful not to hurt the girl. She'd talk to the others later.

Evie woke early the next morning, trying to gather her bearings. She remembered last night and was embarrassed. She looked down at a sleeping Buffy. She was snuggled up to her. Evie couldn't resist placing a kiss on the slayer's head as it lay on her chest. The slayer's arm was across her waist, her leg thrown across Evie's. Evie's breath started to quicken as she thought about the intimacy of their position. She decided she better go take a shower. She eased out from under the slayer and headed to the bathroom. She located a towel and washcloth. As she undressed, she winced at the site of herself in the mirror, taking in her bandaged head and taped up ribs. She removed the gauzes; they needed to be redone anyway, and groaned at the bruise spread across her ribs, they were tender but not too bad. She didn't think they were broken.

She stepped into the shower and let the warm water ease some of the aches and pains away. As she dried off, she wondered what she would wear, she didn't really want to put her jeans and t-shirt back on after wearing them yesterday and all night. Maybe Buffy would let her borrow something. She wrapped the towel around herself and walked quietly back into the bedroom where Buffy was still asleep.

She walked next to the bed and leaned down to brush a kiss across Buffy's cheek. She then reached out her hand to push a lock of hair behind Buffy's ear. Then everything happened so fast. Buffy had grabbed her wrist and somehow was now on top of her straddling her hips, pinning her wrist above her head. Evie hadn't resisted, trying to let her body relax and not get hurt.

Buffy felt someone touch her and her instincts took over. Now, she was on top of Evie, who was wearing just a towel that was starting to slip, revealing ample breasts above the material. Evie was breathing a little heavily, the rise and fall of her breathing beginning to move the material lower. Buffy's eyes darkened with desire and she looked up into Evie's eyes, seeing the same desire reflected there. She started to lean down slowly, wanting to taste Evie, to pull her bottom lip into her mouth, run her tongue around her lips before plunging inside.

Evie knew Buffy was going to kiss her. She was already getting wet just from the anticipation. As Buffy drew nearer, was only a few inches away, Evie winced at the pressure on her ribs.

Buffy stopped and pulled back. What was she doing? She had seen Evie wince – "Oh shit, Evie, I'm sorry" She resisted the urge to jump up and instead slowly moved off the other girl, taking care not to hurt her. Buffy moaned out loud as she took in the site of Evie, the towel pushed up to the tops of her thighs, revealing toned, delicious looking legs. Buffy let her gaze travel upwards, it would be so easy to just undo the towel and let it fall to the sides, take in the site of Evie, let her eyes drink in her beauty.

"No, it-it's Ok." 'Aaahhhh!' Evie screamed to herself, her whole body tingling from the look on the slayer's face as she had looked at her body.

"Did I hurt you?"

"Um, no." Evie said, pretty sure Buffy wasn't referring to the throbbing between her legs. "Um, do you, have, uh, some clothes I could…"

"Oh!" Buffy interrupted. "Of course. Help yourself. I'm just going to the bathroom." Buffy resisted the urge to run to the bathroom, instead walking normally. She splashed cold water on her face and her wrists, trying to cool down. What had she been thinking? She'd practically, no she actually had attacked the girl. 'She didn't protest' a little voice interjected. Buffy couldn't think about that right now. She was going after Spike today, she had told him it was over, maybe she would resist the urge to kill him for hurting Evie, maybe not. Poor nice, sweet, amazing, delectable, beautiful, sexy… Buffy shook her head to stop the flow of adjectives that sprung to mind when she was thinking about Evie.

She went back into her bedroom and found a fully clothed Evie tying her shoes. Buffy suppressed a sigh, of course Evie was dressed by now. What had she expected, the girl waiting for her naked, on her bed, inviting – Ok, if she kept this up she wasn't going to get anything done. "You ready to go downstairs? Are you staying awhile?"

"I'd like to but, I have to work, but not at the lab. I help administer the Praxis tests," Evie supplied.

"What's that?"

"Tests for teachers or potential teachers. It's like the easiest job ever."

"What do you do?" Buffy inquired.

"I read a few instructions, hand out some tests books and walk around the room looking very mean and intimidating to deter cheating," Evie grinned.

Buffy smiled back "Intimidating huh?"

"Ok. I actually pass out the books, and since there's usually like twenty people taking six different tests, there's not much use in cheating. Though I wonder what would happen if a Math test taker copied off an English test taker. Anyway I basically sit there for a couple of hours, reading fan fiction on my laptop and get paid about twenty bucks an hour."

"You're kidding?"

"No, not really, but we only have them one Saturday every other month so it's not like a full time thing. Unfortunately."

"I have to get to work later, too. Hey, why don't you stop by the Magic Box this evening? I'm sure Xander will be testing his new toys – I mean tools – by then. You can see how it's going."

"Sure, sounds great" Evie replied, giggling at Buffy's 'slip'.

They headed downstairs to find Tara making pancakes. Evie walked up to her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek "Good morning" Evie said.

"You look better this morning," Tara returned

"I feel better" Evie turned to see Willow standing in the doorway, glaring at her. 'What'd I do?' thought Evie.

Willow had seen Evie kiss Tara. She should admit it to herself, Tara had moved on. Why wouldn't Tara tell her, be straight up with her about it, Tara had said they were good friends, but it sure looked like more. Willow sighed as she sat down.

"Sounds like you need funny shapes, this morning" Tara smiled as she looked at Willow. She missed this, making breakfast for her girl, only Willow wasn't her girl anymore.

'I need you this morning' Willow thought to herself. But instead said, "that sounds good" and she forced a smile.

Everyone ate breakfast and Tara insisted on going back with Evie to campus. "I'll see you guys this evening" Tara looked pointedly at Willow, trying to let her know she wanted to see her.

Evie wanted to burst, she really wanted to tell Tara about waking up with Buffy, but she didn't want to read too much into it. Maybe the slayer had been half asleep and hadn't realized what she was doing. Evie sighed, she could tell Tara was lost in her own thoughts and Evie couldn't help but wonder if they were about Willow. Did they have any time to talk last night? Why didn't the redhead just ask Tara out again or Tara ask her? It was obvious they still loved each other. Maybe she should talk to Buffy – no, it's not an excuse to see her she answered the annoying voice in her head.

They reached the campus and Evie said "I'm heading over to do the Praxis thing, now. I'll be going to the Magic Box later, are you going, did you want a ride?"

"Yes, but I think I'll walk, get a little fresh air," Tara replied.

"Ok, but make sure you get there before dark" Evie warned.

"Yes, Mom" Tara grinned and jumped back as Evie pretended to swat at her.

"Later" Evie threw over her shoulder as she ran off across campus.

Evie was hyped up. She usually enjoyed reading, but would rather be outside under a tree. The sun was pouring in through the window. Who wants to be stuck inside on such a beautiful day? She was anxious to get to the Magic Box – Ok she was anxious to see Buffy, but wanted to stop by the electronics store first. Maybe she'd even splurge and stop at the DoubleMeat Palace to grab something to eat. Since it was such a beautiful day, she decided to walk. Seems she was leaving her car at campus a lot lately.

As she walked up to the counter, a familiar blonde smiles at her. Evie's heart melts, Buffy looks so adorable.

"Uh, hey" Buffy groaned inwardly.

"Hey, yourself. I didn't know you worked here," Evie said.

"Really? As much as I brag about it to everyone, I'm surprised you didn't know" Buffy quipped.

"It's not that bad" Evie assured "I've worked fast food before – Ok maybe it isn't that great either – I like the hat though" she giggled.

Buffy smiled "All right, enough picking on Buffy" Remembering this morning, a gleam came to her eye she continued "what can I do to you" Buffy paused for a second, letting Evie know she had said it on purpose then continued "I mean what can I get for you?"

Evie blushed, so maybe there was hope for her and Buffy yet "Um, j-just a burger combo with a, a Coke please" she stammered.

"Coming right up" Buffy was grinning as she put Evie's order together "So are you headed to the Magic Box?" Buffy asked.

"After I stop by the electronics store" Evie said, getting excited. She wasn't going to purchase anything today, but she had been eyeing a new laptop and she almost had enough money saved up.

"If you stick around for about fifteen minutes, I'll be off work and I'll tag along – if you don't mind?" Buffy added.

"Oh, that would be great. I'm just going to go outside to eat, soak up some sunshine, see if it makes me grow" Evie smiled

"Ok, I'll be out in a few minutes" Buffy smiled back, then watched Evie as she walked away, the girl had a very nice bum.

Evie glanced back as she reached the door and caught Buffy staring at her bum and blushed. She saw Buffy giggle as she continued out the door.

Buffy finished up her shift, changed and went out to find Evie. Buffy was getting bolder with the flirting. She had stopped by Spike's on her way to work, told him if he ever touched anyone again, she'd kill him. At first he didn't believe it, said he had heard it before, tried to apologize for how he acted that night in her house. Buffy told him it didn't matter, she never loved him and never would. Spike had stopped and looked at her, realization seeping in "Who is he?" he'd asked quietly. Buffy had immediately thought of Evie and smiled, before catching herself. "It doesn't matter," she had told him "Just so you now understand it's over. And you never… ever… hurt the people I love again." Spike stared at the slayer, heartbroken. The love he felt for her, she was feeling for someone else. He nodded, defeated and Buffy left.

Buffy returned to the present. "Hey" she greeted Evie as she walked up to the bench she was sitting on.

"Hey, you ready?"

"Lead on" Buffy reached out for Evie's hand and held it as they walked down the street.

Evie thought she was in heaven, Buffy was holding her hand, had been flirting with her all morning, but… "Buffy?"

"Hmmm" Buffy asked

"Who was it that attacked me – I mean, he thought I was you"

"Oh" Buffy went on to briefly explain her relationship with Spike and the fact that it was over, had been over when he had attacked her after Xander's party. She glossed over a few details and left out the bathroom incident entirely. Evie listened intently, wondering if she really had been misreading Buffy's actions, maybe she was just being friendly because Evie had been hurt. She decided to switch the topic away from them, to another couple.

"What's going on with Willow and Tara?" Evie asked.

Buffy almost stopped, was Evie really interested in Tara? "Well, they had some rough times and it has taken some time for their trust to be built up again."

"I see" Evie commented. Should she ask for Buffy's help getting them back together? No, Buffy would probably think she was being nosy. She looked up and realized they were almost at the electronics store "Oh" Evie squeaked. She tightened her hand around Buffy's and practically dragged the slayer the last few feet into the store.

Buffy laughed "Slow down, what's the rush?"

"Sorry" Evie blushed. They browsed through the movies, CDs and video games for a little while before Evie led them over to the laptop display.

Buffy watched as Evie's eyes grew wide and she touched the laptop on the counter. "Um, do you like this one?" Buffy asked.

"Do I like it? It's a two point eight gigahertz, Pentium four with seventeen inch widescreen WXGA screen, which allows it to have a full size keyboard and number pad, five twelve megs of RAM, not to mention the integrated 802.11g wireless card and DVD-R drive" Evie rambled on incredulously.

"Oh, of course, I should have known" Buffy responded mock seriously.

"Hey, Evie" a salesgirl walked up to them.

"Hey, Jen, how are you?" Evie responded to the girl

"Um, I'm not telling you this but that laptop's going on sale next week – ten percent off" Jen whispered.

"No way" Evie replied. Buffy smiled at the obvious excitement on Evie's face.

"You didn't hear it from me" Jen said, handing something to Evie before heading off.

"Is that her phone number?" Buffy asked, maybe a little jealously.

Evie smiled and blushed "No, it's her business card with her schedule on it. I'll come back next week when she's here."

"Oh. Do you come in here a lot, is that why she knows you?"

"I do come in here quite a bit but don't usually buy anything. I've been saving up for a good laptop for almost a year now and when this one came out a month ago, I knew this was the one I wanted. But I actually know Jen from school, I saved her term paper, about fifty pages, one time in the lab. You know I have my own super hero powers" she grinned at Buffy.

"So what else did you want to look at?" Buffy asked, happy to spend a little more time with Evie.

"Actually, I think I'm done. We can head to the Magic Box, I bet Xander already got a shelf made, I'd like to check it out" Evie responded.

Buffy laughed "You know, Xander may fall in love with you"

"Too bad I'm already fall – I mean not into guys" Evie blushed, she'd almost told Buffy she was falling for her.

Buffy had heard Evie's slip and wondered what she was really going to say. As Evie grabbed her hand, Buffy didn't worry about it, instead she chose to enjoy the sensation of Evie's hand in hers.

Buffy and Evie walked into the Magic Box. Willow sat at her laptop, deep in research mode. "Hey, Will" Buffy said.

"Hey, Buffy" Willow looks up and smiles at her friend, then sees Evie with her, she attempts to keep her smile in place as she nods at the other girl.

Evie is feeling uncomfortable, she's definitely thinking Willow doesn't like her, luckily Anya came in just then.

"Hey, Evie, Xander's in the back making shelves. He's made two this morning and they already sold" Anya exclaimed.

"Oh, great! I'm just going to go back and see how it's going," she says to Buffy, she chances a quick glance at Willow, who quickly looks back at her computer.

As Evie heads into the back, Buffy sits next to Willow.

"Will, you have computer knowledge, what is integrated eight oh two something g and D-V-D-R?"

"802.11g is a term for a type of wireless technology and DVD-R is a drive that you use to burn, or make your own DVDs. Who have you been talking to about computer stuff?" Willow explained, grinning.

"Still not clear on the wireless whatever. I ran into Evie and went with her to look at a laptop she's been looking at. She seems really excited about it and she was throwing out those terms along with a bunch of other numbers."

"What all do you know about this Evie, I mean do you even know her last name?" Willow lost her smile, she was getting a little annoyed with Evie.

"Oh… her last name is Smith, I saw it on a card in her wallet that day she was hurt, but I don't know, she seems really nice and sweet"

"Aw, you guys talking about me again?" Xander interrupted as he walked in from the back, he needed to get some more glue. Evie was in the back staining a few shelves.

"Actually we were talking about Evie" Buffy said.

"Oh, yeah she's great" Xander agreed.

"I like her," Anya added "her shelf ideas are selling like crazy. We have orders backed up, and we've only had them out a few hours."

"I'm just saying, doesn't she seem a little too – I don't know. She knows about Xander's woodworking stuff, Anya's money thing, she knows about the whole vampire slayer thing now and she knows about computers, like me" 'and who know what all she's done with Tara' she thought to herself before saying out loud "Does this seem a little like the Jonathon thing?"

"I don't think so, Will" Buffy said "I mean, first of all, we've all met her, where as Jonathon was just like there, like he'd always been there." Though Buffy wondered, if what Willow said could be true, after all she didn't exactly have the best taste in men, was her taste in women just as bad?

"Yeah, Will, I agree with Buff on this one. I think she's just a girl," Xander agreed.

"I just think we should be careful. Maybe she's just better at the spell than Jonathon was" Willow sat down at her computer.

"What are you going to do?" Buffy asked.

"I'm just going to look at her school record, see what it says. Let's see, Smith. Here we go. Smith, hmm no Evie, oh but here's an Evelyn. Evelyn Smith, oh."

"What's wrong?" Buffy asked, her trepidation rising.

"She's got like a 1.8 GPA, tons of incompletes, disciplinary actions against her. She could be expelled at pretty much any given time. I knew it, I knew she was too good to be true." Willow said triumphantly.

"Are you sure?" Buffy asked, glancing over Willow's shoulder. Not really believing what she was hearing, this didn't sound like Evie.

"Sure about what?" Tara asked, having caught the last question as she walked in the door.

"Willow found out some things about Evie" Xander said.

"Maybe" Buffy interjected "we don't know for sure."

Willow told Tara what she found.

"I d-don't think that's true. I have class with her and she seems like a very good student. We sh-should just ask her" Tara said.

"Ask who, what?" Evie asked as she walked from the back room, she'd finished the shelves and wondered what was taking Xander so long.

Everyone stopped and stared.

"O-k… obviously I'm the who, so what do you want to ask me?"

"Well, Evelyn, seems like you have a bit of a history here at UC Sunnydale" Willow started, standing up, letting a little of her anger show.

Evie shook her head, what had Willow just called her? "What? What are you talking about?"

"I'm just saying, Evelyn, or should I call you Evil Evelyn, we know you are a hair's breath away from being expelled, who are you working for?" Willow's confidence was growing a little now that she had the girl on the defensive.

"I have no idea what you're talking about" Evie said and turned to Tara and then Buffy "What the hell is going on?"

"W-w-we just, I m-m-mean" Tara stammered.

"What they hell gave you the idea that I'm in trouble" Evie caught Tara's glance at Willow and turned to the redhead "You, where the hell are you getting your misinformation?" she glared accusingly at Willow.

"From your school records" Willow didn't want to back down, but realized too late what she said.

"How did you get into my school records" Evie looked over at Willow's laptop and realization dawned on Evie, she had seen some activity but hadn't brought it to the attention to the IT people yet "You hacked into the University's records" Evie asked incredulously when another thought hit her "You hack into the wireless network, too don't you?"

Willow actually blushed "Well, I just, it's just… and I just get information from the database, I don't change anything" she trailed off.

"How'd you get the SSID and, and then you decrypted the WEP?" Evie asked trying not to sound too impressed, still stuck on the fact that she had hacked into he wireless network.

"Well, I" Willow wasn't really sure how to answer. Everyone else just looked confused. "Hey, don't change the subject, this is about you, Evelyn" Willow said.

"Oh really, well I'm sure the IT Director would find it interesting to know about you, then we'll see whose close to disciplinary action."

"I guess you're on a first name basis with the IT Director, too?" Willow asked, only slightly sarcastically.

"Actually, yes I am, he is my boss after all" Evie said.

"Boss?" Willow gulped, looking nervously at Buffy.

"Oh, yeah, she works in the computer lab" Buffy explained to Willow.

"Evie" Tara stepped up to touch her friend on the arm "we aren't trying to accuse you we're just curious and trying to sort some things out, it's really hard for us sometimes, we've had a l-lot of r-rough times."

Evie looked devastated, "You actually believe her?" She looked at Buffy asking her the same question silently. She looked back to Tara "Why would you think that?"

"N-no, I told them it wasn't true, it was a m-mistake" Tara said.

Instead of answering, Evie spun on Willow and moved until she was just inches from the taller redhead, her hands gripped into fists at her sides. "You – you did this. Just because you screwed up doesn't mean you get to take this out on me" Evie said between gritted teeth. Willow started to say something but Evie cut her off as she continued "If this is how you act you don't deserve Tara. She's the sweetest, kindest, person I know and up until a minute ago, I thought someone I could count on as a close friend." She turned to Tara softening as she continued "Tara, you are beautiful, sexy and amazing, but" she turned back to Willow her anger rising again, practically two different people as she turned from one to the other "I'm not trying to become her girlfriend, I'm just trying to be a friend. I saw someone hurting, and wanted to help. You are selfish, self-centered, egotistical, you think you know everything and you know nothing-"

"What about Xander's woodworking and Anya's money and even the computer stuff like me" Willow cut her off, her anger rising at the accusations.

"What, because I know a little bit about a lot of different things, it makes me evil? Someone once taught me to try new things, get to know people and they're experiences. I can't believe it, you guys are supposed to be all save the world and then you go and accuse someone of something with no evidence whatsoever."

"We, we have evidence" Willow said though she was beginning to waver.

Evie's anger was starting to dissipate and she just felt like her world had collapsed. She thought Tara was a good friend, she thought she might have a chance to get to know Buffy more intimately and in the blink of an eye, everything was gone. Feeling deflated, she stepped back to look at the group "I'm not going to defend myself, if you all can think this about me, then obviously I was wrong about all of you, I guess none of you are or ever were my friend." Her eyes met Buffy's, trying to read her expression, see if she really believed what Willow said. Not able to read the other girl, Evie turned to leave.

Willow stepped forward and touched Evie's arm "Wait, Evelyn"

Evie stopped at Willow's touch, Willow was the last person she thought would stop her so she turned. She sighed in exasperation, "Why do you keep calling me that?"

Willow blinked "That, that's y-your name. Evelyn Smith, I found it in the school database. Are you really going to tell your boss about me?"

Evie shook her head, so she had only stopped her to keep from getting in trouble, she still thought those things "No, I won't tell, as long as you don't do any real harm, he's a bonehead anyway. I sort of understand why you need to get information sometimes – saving the world and all, I just hope you're better at researching demons than you are at researching people" Evie pulled her arm from Willow's grasp, stepping back "My name's not Evelyn." She turned to leave again.

"Wait" Willow stopped her again. "I, I'm sorry. You're right, I was jealous of the time you were spending with Tara and I thought you were, well that you wanted to be with her"

Evie sighed, "I've just tried to be Tara's friend."

Willow pulled Evie to the table and sat her in the chair. "I was just being over protective and of course way jealous."

Buffy came up behind Evie and put her hands on the girl's shoulders massaging them slightly, she smiled as the other girl relaxed under her hands. Speaking for the first time during all this she said, "We're sorry, can you ever forgive us?"

Evie looked up at the blue eyes she had thought of so often lately, she smiled back, she could deny Buffy nothing "Of course."

Willow smiled and stood in front of Tara "I'm so sorry, Tara, I seem to be messing up a lot lately. I know we can trust your instincts."

"I'm not the one you need to apologize to" Tara replied. How could she stay mad at Willow when she looked so…

"I know" Willow sighed as she turned to look back at Evie. When she caught site of Buffy and Evie her eyes widened and she turned back to Tara. Had she been so wrapped up in worrying about Tara and Evie that something else happened between Buffy and Evie? She pulled Tara aside and whispered in her ear "Is there something going on with Evie and Buffy?"

Xander and Anya had gone behind the counter during the fighting, now they were talking in hushed tones, not paying attention to what was going on. Tara looked over at the table, Buffy was still rubbing Evie's shoulders and Evie had her head back, looking up at Buffy, her eyes half closed, her breathing was deep. Buffy was staring down at the girl, smiling, leaning into her. "Wow, I don't know. I mean I didn't think so."

Willow and Tara made noise as they headed to the table.

Buffy and Evie straightened up as Willow and Tara sat down. Buffy moved around and sat next to Evie. What had just happened? She was getting so aroused and all she was doing was rubbing Evie's shoulders. She shook her head, trying to focus "So, what is your name, Willow didn't see an Evie in the database."

Evie giggled, the tension having left her body and she was still a little giddy from Buffy's touch. "It's Elaine."

"How do you go from Elaine to Evie?" Tara asked.

"Elaine Violet, E – V, then just Evie" she explained with a shrug.

"I really am sorry" Willow said.

"It's Ok, but you could have just asked me." Evie frowned a little and continued "I should apologize, too." Evie said.

"For what?" Willow asked, confused.

"For saying the things I did about you, I don't really think they are true" Evie continued.

"Oh, they probably are, I definitely deserved them. Can we start over? Hi, my name's Willow Rosenberg."

"Hi, I'm Elaine Violet Smith, but my friends call me Evie" she took Willow's proffered hand and smiled as they shook.

A few days later Tara and Evie were headed back to the Magic Box. Evie had said she would bring Tara and hang out until she was ready to go back to campus. Buffy had warned them that there was still some danger and it was a good idea to stick together. There wasn't much parking available so they had to park a couple of blocks away. It was already getting dark so the girls were cautious as they headed towards the shop. As they rounded the last corner they were startled as something jumped out at them. Evie immediately went into an attack stance, stepping in front of Tara. She kicked the vampire in the chest. It was enough to make the vampire take a step back. Evie followed him with a right hook to his head, then a kick to his groin. The vampire was stunned and went down but was getting back up. "Uh, Tara, any ideas?" she asked as she let loose with another combination that kept the vampire at bay.

"Yeah, we need a…" Tara's voice trailed off as the vampire turned to dust "stake" she finished as the dust settled and Buffy was there, stake in hand.

"Hey, ladies, out for a leisurely stroll?" Buffy asked.

"Hey Buffy" Tara smiled as they walked towards the door.

Evie was quiet as they walked into the shop, her adrenalin still pumping from the fight that took place. She felt restless now, the fight had ended so suddenly. She needed to hit something or run or… well, she didn't really have anyone to do that with. She shook her head as she tried to concentrate on what everyone was saying around her.

Buffy kept glancing at Evie, sensing the restlessness in her. She let Willow finish her explanation. Before she started to hand out assignments, she broke in. "Hey, Will, why don't you guys get started, I need to talk to Evie for a minute."

Evie looked at Buffy questioningly, but stood and followed the blonde toward the back of the shop.

"How are you doing?" Buffy asked.

Assuming Buffy was referring to the vamp attack she said, "Fine, he didn't hit me or anything. What did you want to talk to me about?" Evie was still feeling a little edgy and being near Buffy was not helping. Just being close to the girl was enough to make her head